Use of place mats to provide seniors with information on depression

The primary objective was to provide information on depression and antidepressants to seniors living in rural (frontier) settings in a format that might be effective.

The setting included all senior centers, senior center satellites, assisted living facilities, and boarding homes listed with the Wyoming Department of Health Aging Division as well as seniors' private homes.

Through funding from the aging division, a consultant pharmacist provides programs and activities for and about seniors regarding medication management, screening, and education.

A place mat was designed with basic information on depression and resources available, with a brief quiz on antidepressants. The place mats were intended to be utilized during meals at the respective facilities or to be sent with meals to seniors who received meals from the sites. Twenty thousand copies of the place mat were printed and distributed in December 2004. Facilities were surveyed briefly in February 2005.

Although the main outcome could not be measured easily, the goal was to increase the understanding of depression and antidepressants by seniors in the generally frontier areas of Wyoming.

Comments indicated that the format was well received. One senior center instituted a monthly mental health session in response to the place mats.

Although scientific evidence of effectiveness was not measured, the use of place mats for providing information on depression and its treatment appear to have been accepted as useful, and that acceptance may help decrease the stigma of treatment in these seniors in rural areas.