Senior Reach services continue in north Denver metro
All Community Reach centers remain open as well ~
(April 1, 2020 – Thornton, Colorado) Senior Reach Program Manager James Kuemmerle is in the habit of driving to the homes of older adults to provide support services. These past two weeks he has coached many of his regular clients to use audio-visual Telehealth services to adhere to stay-at-home precautions and social distancing.
Kuemmerle phones clients from his office at Community Reach Center’s Thornton Outpatient Office, 8931 Huron St., where Senior Reach services are headquartered. All Community Reach Center facilities are considered essential businesses exempt from Colorado’s stay-at-home order and are committed to remaining open throughout the COVID-19 epidemic for anyone needing services.
All scheduled clients receive a phone call prior to their appointment to ensure that they are symptom free before their visit. Visitors to all Community Reach facilities are screened for flu-like symptoms at the front desk. Those who report symptoms are asked to return home, contact their medical provider and then receive a follow up phone call from Community Reach to support their well-being. Clinical service options include in-person or Telehealth therapy sessions.
Community Reach Center’s Senior Reach program identifies and assists older adults who may need emotional or physical support, or connection to community services. The services most often include screenings, therapy and care coordination.
Kuemmerle said a core component of the program is to visit older adults in their homes, which amounts to connecting with them where they are most comfortable.
He said he has been impressed with how well his clients have shifted to Telehealth services recently.
“They have been very good about responding to suggestions about how we must change a little bit to receive help during this time,” he said. “They understand the importance of staying at home and social distancing.”
Still Kuemmerle makes extra efforts to check in with his clients, knowing the COVID-19 epidemic is an added stressor to all age groups. “I want them to know they are not alone, we have not abandoned them,” he said.
Kuemmerle also encourages people to help older neighbors with grocery shopping and other chores because the importance of staying home is so critical. Kuemmerle authored a blog that advises some activities for seniors to do at home.
If you’re concerned about a senior’s mental health and would like to coordinate a consultation, email SeniorReach@CommunityReachCenter.org or call 303-853-3657 during regular weekday hours. To learn more about the Senior Reach Program, visit www.CommunityReachCenter.org.
Round the Clock Assistance Reminder
In addition to all centers being open during regular hours, Community Reach Center reminds the public that the Behavioral Health Urgent Care (BHUC) center at 2551 W. 84th Ave. in Westminster is open 24/7. People can also call 1-844-493-TALK (8255), or text TALK to 38255 to speak with a trained professional at Colorado Crisis Services.
Our Behavioral Health Urgent Care team is comprised of trained mental health professionals available 24/7 to help individuals of all ages who are experiencing: thoughts of suicide, depression, overwhelming feelings of stress, anxiety, feelings of harming oneself or someone else, an increase in drug and alcohol use and family crises.
Community Reach Center is a top-tier behavioral health and wellness provider serving people of all ages at nine outpatient offices and more than 100 community-based sites throughout Adams County, Colorado. The CRC mission is to “To enhance the health of our community.” The Center has worked diligently to preserve and promote a commitment to excellence, professionalism and integrity within our community health care system for 60 years – currently serving about 20,000 individuals annually. It employs more than 500 highly trained professionals committed to health and wellness. Community Reach Center is a leading integrated care partner in Colorado – meaning that mental health care, primary medical care and dental services are provided in one location at dozens of clinics throughout the north Denver metro area. It is the first mental health provider in Colorado to receive accreditation for several programs from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities – an independent, nonprofit accreditor of health and human services.
