May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to truly assess how the senior adults in your life are doing. An estimated one in five people aged 55 and older experience some type of mental health concern, such as anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders (depression or bipolar disorder). The sadness that comes from loneliness and social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death and is associated with a 50% increase in risk of dementia, 29% increase in risk of heart disease and 32% increase in risk of stroke.
Serious mental illnesses can weaken the immune system, contribute to poor outcomes in chronic conditions like diabetes and lead to substance abuse or even suicide.
Is Your Loved One Really OK?
Getting older is often hard, and seniors’ mental health can be affected by the significant life events that occur later in life, such as bereavement over losing a spouse or family member, managing an illness or moving to an unfamiliar environment.
It can be difficult for older adults who are used to a high level of competence and independence to speak up and ask for help, even if life is becoming more challenging for them. They may purposely keep problems private, be in denial of them or fail to notice a decline in their own functioning.
Even if you have regular phone conversations with an aging loved one, it’s not always easy to tell how well they’re truly doing. If you sense that something may be wrong, use encouraging statements to help them share what’s happening:
- “I sense that something is bothering you. I’m here to listen if you’d like to share.”
- “I’m here if you want to talk about any difficulties you’re having.”
- “May I take you to lunch or coffee so that we can catch up?”
If they open up to you, ask what they may need to feel better, and follow through on supporting them. Remind them that it takes courage to speak up about personal struggles. You can assure them that having mental health difficulties is very common among older adults, and there are many resources to help them feel better.
Warning Signs of Poor Mental Health
When you are with your loved one, you may see signs of mental health issues, such as:
- Lethargy, irritability or an inability to experience pleasure.
- Weight loss and changes in appetite.
- Withdrawing from social activities or loss of engagement in normal interests.
- Memory problems that go beyond normal forgetfulness.
- Worsened pain.
Other warning signs that could signal mental illness or dementia include lapses in personal hygiene, home upkeep and the inability to keep up with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Kadan Homecare Sees What You Don’t Hear
Regularly tuning in to a senior’s demeanor can help loved ones recognize when a behavior is out of character and more than just a temporary feeling. Having consistent caregivers who can serve as the family’s “eyes and ears” allows for quicker interventions when a senior’s mental health is suffering.
Kadan Homecare caregivers can help improve clients’ quality of life by providing companionship that combats feelings of isolation and loneliness. They also are trained to recognize signs of dementia and other cognitive problems so that timely help can be provided.
We invite you to learn more about Kadan’s Companion Care programs and contact us for a complimentary in-home consultation for a loved one needing assistance. Call 770-396-8997 or email info@kadan.org to talk with our team.
