St. Luke’s Hospital is pleased to announce that Anne Jacobe, LCSW, licensed clinical social worker and therapist for the Senior Life Solutions program, has been recognized as the 2016 Therapist of the Year during a surprise celebration that included family, friends and teammates. The award, balloons and a cake recognized Jacobe’s outstanding performance in “The 3 C’s: Care, Compliance and Community.”

St. Luke’s Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program designed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) to meet the unique needs of older adults over the age of 65 struggling with depression and anxiety often related to aging. The program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, a licensed social worker, a registered nurse, and other professionals dedicated to the emotional well being of the seniors in the community. Family members, physicians, or other health professionals can refer individuals to the program, which has made a considerable difference in the lives of many.

Through its parent company PMC, Senior Life Solutions honors the top performing employees and programs annually based on their excellence in demonstrating the company’s values of care, compliance and community. Award recipients demonstrate outstanding patient care, excellent comprehension and execution of compliance regulations, and strong community engagement.    

“I am deeply honored by this award and appreciate the recognition by PMC and St. Luke’s Hospital,” Jacobe said. “It is especially gratifying that this award was made during March which is Social Work Month.”

Jacobe moved from Virginia to join Senior Life Solutions in October 2014 after working in private practice for 10 years. She received her master’s degree in social work in 1995. Jacobe, a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW), is often a guest speaker, a community volunteer and a member of the new Health and Human Services Board for Polk County.

In addition to Jacobe’s award, St. Luke’s Senior Life Solutions was recognized as one of the top five finalists of 43 programs across the country. Other teammates who’ve helped make St. Luke’s Senior Life Solutions an outstanding program include Cindy Gibson, RN, program manager, and Rita Ruff, office assistant.

For more information, call St. Luke’s Hospital’s Senior Life Solutions program at 828-894-9890. Senior Life Solutions is located on the St. Luke’s campus at 50 Hospital Drive.

– article submitted by Kathy Woodham