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YOU AT YOUR BEST | nwAdg.cOm/YOUATYOURBEST JULY - ThE 5 SEnSES | SATURdAY, JUnE 24, 2017 | 11 Marla Richards, M.S. Dustin Richards, Au.D. Brittany Ann Daniels, B.A. We off er the most advanced hearing technologies with a team mission of providing our patients with the highest level of expertise and compassion. 2630 E Citizens Dr #7, Fayetteville (Intersection of Crossover/Mission, Kantz Center) | wolfpackhearing.com Call (479) 957-9300 hearing screening and consultation to schedule your FREE massage & medspa One Hour Custom Massage Session $ 49 95 * Reg. $74.95 *New clients only. LaVida Massage and Medspa of Fayetteville 745 E Joyce Blvd, Suite #201 479.521.3232 lavidamassagefayettevillear.com LaVida Massage and Medspa of Bentonville 103 SW Winsted, Suite #15 479.876.8004 lavidamassagebentonvillear.com Accepting Medicare, Medicaid and most Long Term Care Insurances Providing Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care Services Please stop by today for a personal tour or call us at 479.444.6108 4405 W. Persimmon St. • Fayetteville 3024A Market Ave Fayetteville, AR 72703 479-444-0259 877-737-0202 www.homefrontairandmedical.com Air & Medical Supplies, Inc. A broad selection of CPAP & Bi-PAP Supplies Homefront Adults over the age of 65 have some of the highest rates of suicide in the U.S. Older adults who attempt suicide are more likely to use lethal means and to die than younger people who attempt suicide. Men ages 85 and older are almost four times as likely to die by suicide as adolescent males ages 15 to 19. However, despite the statistics, professionals and individu- als across communities can take steps to bring help and hope to this population. Understanding Risk Prevention efforts focus on reduc- ing the factors that contribute to suicide among older adults and strengthening the factors that protect against it. Risk Factors Depression and other mental health issues Substance abuse Physical illness, disability, or pain Social isolation Protective Factors Access to care for mental and physical health conditions Social connectedness Skills in coping and adapting to change Who can help? Individuals who work in any of the following settings can play an important role in preventing suicide among older adults: Primary care Behavioral health Faith communities Senior centers and senior living com- munities Springwoods Behavioral Health, lo- cated at 1955 W. Truckers Drive in Fay- etteville, is an 80 bed behavioral health fa- cility which provides comprehensive care for geriatrics, as well as adolescents and adults. Inpatient services are offered for senior adults at Springwoods Behavioral Health. Mental illness affects older adults just as it does other age groups. But with seniors it is often ignored or overlooked as a 'normal' part of the aging process. Life challenges such as decreased physical and mental capabilities, the inability to live in- dependently or the loss of a lifetime com- panion are problems sometimes too severe for an older adult to manage on their own. The family may be the fi rst to notice changes in his/her behavior. Warning signs that could indicate the need for treatment include: anxiety/agitation, con- fusion/disorientation, depression, fear/ paranoia, fl uctuations in weight, halluci- nations/delusions, increase in alcohol or medication use, loss of interest in appear- ance, memory loss, mood swings, sleep disturbances, social withdrawal, suicidal thoughts, and wandering. Although older adults may frequently experience these behaviors, in many cases the true cause may be psycho-physiologic and, there- fore, very treatable. If you suspect these issues have be- come diffi cult to manage, schedule an assessment with a mental health profes- sional. Qualifi ed assessment and referral staff at Springwoods Behavioral Health perform assessments 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, at no charge. Each as- sessment is evaluated by a physician who recommends the appropriate level of care for treatment. Recommendations are then discussed with the patient/family to assist in making an informed decision about treatment. Think you might know someone at risk? Call the National Suicide Preven- tion Lifeline for help at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Preventing suicide among older adults Special to NWa Democrat-Gazette