Davis Behavioral Health expands mental health services in assisted living facilities

The recent Davis County Senior Services Advisory Board meeting highlighted significant advancements in mental health services for seniors, particularly in assisted living facilities. A key discussion point was the collaboration with Davis Behavioral Health, which has begun addressing the mental health needs of residents in long-term care facilities. A survey revealed that 90% of these facilities reported having five or more residents requiring mental health services, with 70% indicating that these services should be provided on-site. This data prompted Davis Behavioral Health to extend its state contract to include Beacon Therapy, enabling better access to mental health support within these facilities.

In addition to mental health initiatives, the meeting also covered the successful implementation of vaccine clinics at senior centers and for homebound individuals, funded through US Aging. The board emphasized the importance of community education on dementia care, noting that three staff members have been trained in dementia live, which has proven beneficial in fostering empathy and understanding among caregivers. Furthermore, the board mandated training on public health and dementia for all health department staff, utilizing a curriculum from the Alzheimer's Association to ensure comprehensive knowledge in this area.

The meeting also addressed ongoing partnerships with the Davis School District, which has been instrumental in providing training for new Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the skills of individuals working with seniors.

Overall, the discussions underscored a proactive approach to improving mental health services and caregiver education in Davis County, with plans for continued collaboration and training initiatives to better serve the senior community.