As we age, we face new challenges—mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Through our holistic senior program at Hall Neighborhood House, we work to meet as many of the needs of the seniors in our program as possible.
In addition to meals, exercise programs, opportunities for connection and fun, and health and dental care, we also provide mental and behavioral health support to our neighbors at our Senior Center through the Better Me program.
The program, which started in 2023 with funding from an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant, includes sessions on a variety of topics relevant to seniors, facilitated by Marylin Pratt, an incredible clinician from Southwest Community Health.
Over the past year, Better Me has had a significant impact on our seniors.
HOW IT WORKS
Each Better Me session consists of a short educational presentation on the day’s topic, followed by a group discussion. Through the 20 sessions we’ve had so far, seniors have explored topics that are relevant to the struggles they face—from self-esteem to stress and anxiety and relationships to resilience. Each session provides a safe space for seniors to explore their feelings, share openly, and learn from each other.
After some sessions, including our conversations on love/forgiveness and depression, the seniors decided they wanted to explore the topic further—so we added additional discussions!
In addition, we’ve hosted a variety of care providers as part of the Better Me program. These community partners have shared their knowledge on topics ranging from nutrition to podiatry—and we are so grateful for their collaboration in promoting wellness to our neighbors!
THE DIFFERENCE IT MAKES
The impact of Better Me extends far beyond our walls. It empowers our seniors to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Through sessions on essential topics like communication, mindfulness, and preventative health, our seniors are equipped with the tools they need to be healthy and fulfilled in every life stage.
The sessions have been extremely popular for our community; so far, each conversation has gathered about 40 people—and our record-high turnout was 52 people! Seniors’ dedicated attendance speaks to the value they see in the program.
NEXT STEPS
After each discussion, our team ensures that seniors receive the care and support they need—whether that’s an individual follow-up session to explore their feelings or a referral to a specialist. In this way, Better Me serves as a first step to continued conversations and care.
BETTER ME: A KEY PART OF HOLISTIC CARE
Our seniors trust Hall to provide the care and resources they need, and we are proud to meet those needs with high-quality programs. Better Me is an important part of supporting overall health, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Our holistic programming surrounds our seniors with the tools and relationships they need to thrive and continue growing as they age. The program is continually expanding in response to their evolving needs, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.
Visit our Senior Services page to learn more about the program.