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It’s no secret that as we age, our bodies change. But what many people don’t realize is that our mental health also changes as we get older. Seniors are at a higher risk for developing mental health issues than any other age group.
This can be due to a variety of factors, including retirement, bereavement, and physical health problems. If you’re caring for an elderly loved one it’s important to understand the most common senior mental health issues. That way, you can
help your loved ones get the treatment they need and maintain a high quality of life.
Depression is another common mental issue among seniors. Seniors with depression might feel a loss of interest in hobbies and activities they once found pleasurable.
Anxiety is the most common mental issue in adults and elders. Seniors who suffer from anxiety typically have a hard time managing their daily responsibilities or getting rest.
It’s the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases. Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease progresses slowly in three general stages: mild (or early-stage), moderate (or middle-stage), and severe (or late-stage).
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that can cause intense mood swings, such as feeling overly excited and deeply sad. Seniors with bipolar disorder are prone to making impulsive decisions that are out of character for them.
Seniors with schizophrenia typically experience delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and movements, and a lack of pleasure and interest in daily activities.
Each of these conditions can be highly debilitating if left untreated. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness in seniors. If you notice your elderly loved one is exhibiting any of the following signs, they may be experiencing a mental health issue:
In some cases, seniors may be reluctant to seek help for their mental health issues. They may feel like they should be able to cope independently or that seeking help is a sign of weakness. It’s important to reassure your loved ones that getting treatment is not only okay, but it’s also necessary to maintain their health and wellbeing.
Preventing mental health issues in seniors is just as important as treating them. There are a few things you can do to help your elderly loved one prevent mental health issues, such as:
At Elder Care Homecare, we specialize in providing 24-hour home care services to provide the attention elders deserve. We are a senior home care center in New York and have provided families peace for many years.
Elder Care Homecare caregivers will help your family understand what your loved one is going through to help them live a better life. If you’re looking for seniors assisted living in New York, make sure to contact Elder Care Homecare!
Elder Care Homecare looks after seniors and individuals with disabilities through dependable companion care and in-home care services.
We service Westchester County, Long Island and the entire New York City metro area including Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Manhattan.
370 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10168
United States
1025 Old Country Road
Suite 314
Westbury, NY 11590
750 E Main St
Stamford, CT 06902