Senior Outreach Counseling

Senior Outreach Counseling began in 1989 and provides in-home mental health services in Polk County to persons at least 60 years of age. A highly qualified and dedicated team of clinical social workers provide the services with the assistance of a friendly and helpful intake coordinator. A psychiatrist provides consultation to the team. Team members are knowledgeable about resources for seniors in the community and often make referrals or connect elders with resources.

Most of the persons in the program are able to stay in their homes because of the interventions of SOC. A few may move to improved housing as a result of the success of being in the program. An SOC staff person also provides consultation and education regarding mental health at the meal sites and senior centers of Polk County. This service includes presenting information on mental health and aging issues and meeting one on one with attendees.

Eligibility Criteria

Persons need to be at least 60 years old and reside in Polk County to receive services. The eligible person will present with an emotional or mental health issue. In addition to age and residency requirements, the referred person will demonstrate a need to be served at home. This can include such reasons as the person's own health problems, care of another person at home, transportation difficulties or the unlikelihood of the elder accessing services in a mental health clinic. The person also needs to be able to benefit from the service; for instance, a person with severe dementia will more likely be better served through another provider.

How to Make a Referral

Referrals may be made by any concerned person, including the elder him/herself.

Call the Intake Coordinator at 515.277.0630. The process of referral takes about 10 minutes. Questions asked include:

  • Name, address, phone number, directions to the home, birth date
  • Is the elder aware of the referral? (preferred)
  • Reason for referral
  • Expectations of the referent
  • Physicians and medications
  • Ability to dress, drive, manage medications, etc.
  • Emergency contacts

Once a referral is received, the case is assigned to a team member. (This step may take a week or so.) The team member will then contact the elder to schedule an initial appointment to complete an assessment. The assessment includes identification of strengths, needs, and physical and mental health status. Participation in the program is voluntary.