Social worker, driver/tech join Senior Renewal

The Senior Renewal staff at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese has grown by two.

Licensed clinical social worker Ann Langenfeld of Centralia and psychiatric technician and driver Breann Loddeke of Breese recently joined the six-member Senior Renewal team that has served over 200 older adults since the program began in 2005.

Langenfeld  most recently served as a psychiatric social worker at St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Centralia. Previously, she was director of case coordination at the Warren Achievement Center in Monmouth, social services coordinator at the Community Workshop and Training Center in Peoria and director of social work at Centralia's Warren G. Murray Development Center.

For several years, Langenfeld was a field instructor for bachelor's and master's degree students at Washington University in St. Louis and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

She holds a Master of Social Work degree from Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from MacMurray College in Jacksonville.

The second newcomer, Breann Loddeke, is a certified nurse assistant.

Also on the staff are Sandy Radford, a certified psychiatric and mental health nurse who serves as Senior Renewal program director; licensed clinical professional counselor Paula Post; Mary Laidley, a registered nurse experienced in adult and geriatric psychiatric nursing; licensed clinical social worker Bridget Beckmann; and psychiatric technician and driver Sharon Loddeke.          

Board-certified psychiatrist Scott Arbaugh, MD, serves as medical director.

Senior Renewal is an outpatient service for adults (generally) 60 years and over dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety and "nerves." The goal is to restore a sense of well-being and quality of life and help participants return to the peak of their capabilities.

Anyone interested first sees a Senior Renewal staff member then, if he or she meets clinical criteria, has an appointment with Dr. Arbaugh.

Once admitted to the program, each participant follows an individual treatment plan that can include group and individual therapy, education and lunch. Group sessions-which also serve as a support group-cover a variety of topics, including, but not limited to, coping skills, stress reduction, emotions, grief and loss.

Services are offered weekdays in the Senior Renewal area of the hospital HealthPlex; transportation is available. Most commercial insurances, Medicare and many supplemental plans cover Senior Renewal; the hospital Business Office can answer specific questions about payments.

Appointments, at the hospital or elsewhere, are available to discuss specific questions and if Senior Renewal is right for you or a family member. For more information, contact 526-5699 or email Sandy Radford.