Special Health Resources offers mobile senior healthcare evaluations 2023
To commemorate Older Americans Month (OAM) in May, Special Health Resources (SHR) of Tyler provided on-site wellness exams for senior citizens using its Mobile Unit.
Shantel Jackson, marketing liaison for SHR in the Tyler and Jacksonville areas, stated, “We wanted to do something for our seniors, so we’re out here spreading the word about the services they can access, not just what SHR has to offer, but also what the community has to offer the elderly population.”
Using the mobile unit, SHR hosted the Senior Health and Wellness Fair at the Rose Crest Village Senior Residential Community on Wednesday to bring attention to primary care for senior citizens in the community.
“It will help us obtain exposure in order to provide seniors with the necessary assistance, particularly if they are unable to come to us; with this mobile unit, we can go to them. Jackson stated, “We offer free health screenings, including BMI, glucose, and high blood pressure checks.”
The mobile unit assists in Longview, Jacksonville, and Tyler.
In addition to primary care services, SHR offers counseling with Certified Licensed Professional counselor Sharon Peymon.
“I frequently encounter individuals with depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia,” said Peymon. We offer treatment and have a nurse practitioner who assists in prescribing medications.
According to Peymond, senior citizens are still stigmatized for obtaining mental health care.
“They need to know they’re not alone,” she stated. “They are not insane, they occasionally hear their offspring telling them to get over something… There is no reason to be embarrassed. Seeking assistance is a sign of courage, not frailty.”
Tyler Clinic Care off Troup Highway, which is one of SHR’s clinics, offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric primary care, dental care, and behavioral health services.
In addition, they wish to encourage more men, particularly older males, to obtain the necessary assistance. According to Jackson, males are frequently reluctant to seek assistance out of conceit.
“Your health is important regardless of your sex, gender, or orientation, and you shouldn’t wait until it’s too late,” Jackson said. “We must end the stigma that requires you to endure in isolation. Because sometimes individuals need a reminder that they are not alone, we are actively distributing these bracelets with positive affirmations.”
