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Frederick County health official warns of rising mental‑health needs among older adults, details targeted grant services
Summary
S. Estelle Dupree of the Frederick County Health Department told the Senior Services Advisory Board that demographic shifts and rising anxiety and depression rates among older adults require targeted outreach; she described a senior mental‑health grant that funds in‑home psychotherapy, telehealth support and training for senior centers.
S. Estelle Dupree, LCPC and Special Populations Coordinator at the Frederick County Health Department, told the Senior Services Advisory Board on May 11 that older‑adult mental‑health needs are growing and require targeted local services. "Depression is not a normal part of aging," Dupree said, and shared projected and current data, including that "in 2030, 1 in 4 Marylanders will be over the age of 60" and that people age 85 and older have the highest suicide rate of any age group.
Dupree described an existing senior mental‑health grant that funds outreach to underserved older adults, training for senior‑center staff, support for telehealth access and preventive work to reduce psychiatric hospitalizations. She said the program provides direct care to roughly 50 low‑income seniors and that Division of Aging Maryland Access Point staff perform level‑1 screenings and make referrals to Adult Evaluation and Review Service as needed. "Psychotherapy in the home is provided by Estelle who is currently the only practitioner with this program," the minutes state.
Dupree also discussed the intersection of chronic physical disease, impairments in activities of daily living and social isolation, saying these factors often compound to worsen mental‑health outcomes and increase risk for substance misuse and abuse. She noted that only about half of older adults with mental‑health issues receive treatment and that anxiety disorders affect an estimated 11 percent of older adults, a number Dupree said could rise substantially by midcentury.
Board members and staff asked clarifying questions about referral pathways and program capacity. The presentation noted a recent addition of a caseworker to assist with applications and transportation (food‑bank trips) and that program staff visit some clients monthly based on need and family communication.
The board did not take formal action on Dupree's presentation; staff were encouraged to continue outreach and training efforts. The meeting adjourned at 2:48 PM; the board's next scheduled meeting is June 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM.
