Heritage Program for Seniors at VCHS earns high patient satisfaction score
ORD, Neb. – The Heritage Program for Seniors at Valley County Health System (VCHS) earned a 98 percent overall patient satisfaction score during the most recent quarter, highlighting the organization’s continued and consistent efforts to address the mental health conditions of older adults in central Nebraska. The program satisfaction scores were taken from regular quarterly (October – December 2018) patient discharge surveys, which include questions ranging from understanding treatment plans to perceived progress during the program.
The Heritage Program for Seniors at VCHS is an individualized, outpatient behavioral health program for adults age 55 and older. The program offers confidential counseling services in both group and individual sessions for patients from throughout central Nebraska who are dealing with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and grief.
“We are excited to see the uniqueness of our program having such positive outcomes for our clients. Our goal is and has always been to provide our clients with evidenced-based services that will help them to truly feel better,” Heritage Program Director Riley Smith, LICSW, LIMHP said.
The Heritage Program for Seniors offers many types of therapy for geriatric clients. Through DBT, CBT, mindfulness-based practices and creative expression, clients are able to find healing and hope in a trauma-informed setting.
“By offering these services, we are able to provide our clients with a supportive, safe environment. All of our therapists are uniquely trained to address the mental health needs of older adults and we are pleased to see our clients finding benefit from our services,” Smith said. Medical providers or any concerned individual may refer themselves or someone to the program. Heritage staff will meet with the referred individual to discuss program details and the admission process.
“I like the groups. It’s helpful to share with others and get support from everyone in the group,” a Heritage client expressed.
Patient therapy groups meet every day, Monday through Friday, with most program participants attending two days a week. Hours are typically 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Individual and family appointments are scheduled as needed. Heritage also provides caregiver support and community education.
In addition to Smith, Therapists Macaela Haas, PLMHP, and Ruth Jones, PLCSW and Technicians Cheryl Hulinsky and Carrie Petska work with Heritage Program patients.
For more information about the Heritage Program for Seniors at VCHS, call 308.728.4340 or visit www.valleycountyhealthsystem.org/medical-services/heritage-program-for-seniors.
# # #
Pictured: VCHS Heritage Program for Seniors staff (l to r):
Macaela Haas, PLMHP; Carrie Petska; VCHS Heritage Program for Senior Director Riley Smith, LICSW, LIMHP; Cheryl Hulinsky (not pictured, Ruth Jones, PLCSW)
