Annmarie Franco, Program Manager, PEARLS and Manhattan Geriatric Outreach, Community Mental Health Services (CMHS)

“It’s not just about being alive. It’s about actually living life.”

Interacting with social workers, licensed mental health counselors, community providers, and directly with the older population her division serves, Annmarie sees her role as offering assistance and education in equal parts. “In essence, I support our staff with what they need in order to serve the needs of older adults in the community, and to help them live their best life. I’m also involved in community events, presentations, and other ways to create awareness about the issues relevant to an older population, and about the free services we offer,” she says. “There are a lot of losses the older adult experiences, not only death of friends and loved ones, but other losses, such as loss of mobility, and that could mean loneliness, isolation, grief, depression, and maybe even intimidation. It can be daunting to navigate a system and reach out for help. And for many, especially the older adult, there’s still kind of a stigma attached to seeking or accepting mental health services.”

Crediting her experience and training, Annmarie communicates with individuals in a friendly and empathetic way that does not come across as a “mental health” approach. “Even though our interventions are therapeutic and evidence-based, we set a casual tone, which I find helps people open up to accepting assistance—and then they are glad they did,” she says. Additional steps are also taken, including working with staff to provide services within the program’s scope as well as recognizing other issues and needs that may benefit clients, thereby encouraging collaboration of care through the utilization of internal and external resources. This might involve conducting a joint phone call with a provider, making a referral, and then following up with the provider and/or client to help ensure connection to a supportive service is made. Program staff clients have often told Annmarie’s group they are happy they agreed to the program, because they realize they were able to make changes that they would have not done on their own.

Even something as simple as mastering the act of getting out of a chair can have a dramatic impact on older adults with mobility issues. “These might sound like very small steps, but they are very valuable and go a long way in helping people emotionally, which can have a positive impact on them physically. Even just opening a window or going out on their stoop and getting natural sunlight and fresh air can have a huge impact on someone who has been isolating at home. It’s not just about being alive. It’s about actually living life!” she notes. “Witnessing the work staff are doing, hearing stories of their successes and how they feel about being a part of their clients’ lives and seeing positive change is very rewarding. I am glad to be a part of both working through difficulties and celebrating successes. I enjoy my dual roles of interacting with staff and the older adult community.”