Studies show 25% of seniors aged 65 and over struggle with some mental health disorder. Unfortunately, common symptoms of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression and cognitive decline, are often mistaken for normal signs of aging. This misunderstanding often delays accurate diagnosis and treatment.
If you notice a change in your loved one’s mood or behavior, reaching out for help is important. The earlier you identify senior mental health issues, the faster your loved one can receive the treatment they need.
Without the right support, emotional and cognitive health challenges can negatively impact a senior’s well-being and quality of life. Several factors can contribute to these issues, such as grief, social isolation, fear of the unknown and serious medical conditions. Ensuring your loved one is in a supportive and well-structured environment can minimize the impact of these issues and improve their mental health.
This blog examines elderly mental health issues and common signs and symptoms. It also explains when to seek professional mental health services for seniors and how Cedar Creek supports seniors with emotional and cognitive challenges.
Contact Cedar Creek at (301) 701-3908 to learn more.
Common Mental Health Issues in Older Adults
As seniors age, the risk of certain mental health conditions increases. Too often, loved ones and even some medical professionals fail to see the signs or misinterpret them as “just aging.”
Some of the most common senior mental health issues are summarized below to help you understand what may be beyond the “normal” aging process.
Depression in Seniors
It’s not uncommon for seniors to have times of depression as they age. If these episodes impact the senior’s overall well-being, it could indicate more serious issues. Look for signs of social withdrawal, persistent sadness, sleep disturbances and unexplained physical symptoms. It’s also concerning if your loved one loses interest in activities they used to enjoy or fails to complete standard daily tasks, such as bathing and grooming.
Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults
Slowing down is a normal part of aging. While this gives the body a chance to rest and recuperate, it also gives you more time to think. Some level of anxiety in seniors is normal, but when it leads to excessive worry, panic attacks and irrational thoughts and fears, it could be a sign of an anxiety disorder. This type of excessive anxiety is often triggered by various life transitions, such as the loss of a loved one, a major health condition or retirement. Identifying an anxiety disorder early allows your loved one to receive professional senior mental health support to manage it better.
Cognitive Decline vs. Memory Disorders
It can be hard to distinguish between memory disorders and cognitive decline in seniors. For seniors, however, both issues are very real and can be nearly impossible to overcome without adequate support.
Cognitive decline refers to the gradual loss of various abilities, such as attention, concentration and memory. It’s common for seniors’ cognitive function to decrease as they age. Memory disorders, on the other hand, go beyond normal cognitive decline. These disorders impact the senior’s ability to retain and recall information and memories, solve problems and complete daily tasks. Common memory disorders include mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Some early signs of memory disorders include confusion, problem-solving issues and trouble multitasking. Our structured memory care services provide the extra support seniors need, whether they’re facing cognitive decline or memory disorders.
Call (301) 701-3908 to learn more about Cedar Creek’s services.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Senior Mental Health Issues
Studies reveal that more than 60% of seniors with mental health issues fail to receive proper treatment. Knowing what signs to look for can help reduce this risk. Any noticeable changes in the senior’s behavior, mood, cognitive function, personality or physical health could indicate elderly mental health issues. Here’s a look at some of the most common signs.
Behavioral and Emotional Changes
Signs that could indicate that senior mental health services may be necessary include:
- Increased irritability
- Mood swings
- Unexplained frustration
- Loss of interest in activities
- Isolation
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
These types of changes are especially concerning when caused by an unknown illness or situation.
Physical Symptoms That May Indicate Mental Health Concerns
There’s a strong link between physical and mental health in older adults. Studies show over 30% of people with a long-term illness also face a mental health disorder. Signs that a senior’s physical health may be impacting their mental health include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Unexplained aches
- Weight fluctuations
- Declining self-care
Cognitive and Communication Challenges
Cognitive decline can impair a senior’s ability to communicate effectively. If you detect any of the following signs, it may be time to seek support for your older relative:
- Asking the same questions repeatedly
- Telling the same stories over and over
- Trouble following conversations
- Word loss
When to Seek Professional Help for Senior Mental Health Care
If any of the above signs and symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks or interfere with day-to-day life, a senior mental health evaluation may be necessary. A full assessment can determine if your loved one is facing a mental health issue, memory disorder or any other related illness. If a mental health disorder is detected, various treatment options are available, including individual therapy, structured care and specialized elderly mental health services.
How Cedar Creek Supports Seniors With Cognitive and Emotional Challenges
Cedar Creek understands the unique challenges seniors face. We provide specialized senior memory care for residents experiencing cognitive decline, anxiety and depression. Our homes provide a structured and nurturing environment for seniors facing memory issues and emotional challenges. We also encourage family involvement and provide caregiver education to ensure every senior receives the highest level of support and care possible.
Empowering Your Loved One’s Mental Wellness Journey
The best thing you can do for your loved one’s mental wellness journey is seek help and support as early as possible. Early intervention, accurate assessments and ongoing care are critical to helping your loved one successfully deal with any mental health issues. Cedar Creek provides a compassionate, structured environment to ensure seniors maintain their dignity, improve their quality of life and receive the care and support they need.
Steps Families Can Take to Support Senior Mental Health
While Cedar Creek provides a structured environment, professional services and compassionate support, family members also play an essential role. Families can support senior mental health by:
- Encouraging social engagement. Staying active and engaged in your loved one’s life can help promote good mental health. Consider playing familiar games, reflecting on old stories and participating in community events with your loved one.
- Establishing routines. It’s important for the family to take an active role in establishing your loved one’s care plan. This ensures structure and allows the community to develop routines that best match your loved one’s needs and preferences.
- Taking proactive steps. If you notice any changes in your loved one’s behavior, mood, memory or cognitive function, reach out for help.
The Importance of Family Advocacy and Support
No one knows your loved one better than you do. That’s why family advocacy and support are so important. Regular check-ins with your loved one, whether in person, by phone or by video, can help identify early warning signs. Also, stay in constant communication with your loved one’s care team and seek professional services whenever concerns arise.
Cedar Creek’s Commitment to Personalized Senior Care
One thing that sets Cedar Creek apart from other dementia care communities is a commitment to personalized senior care. We work with families to develop customized care plans that match the senior’s needs, cognitive abilities and preferences. We also offer a supportive, homelike setting. This environment, combined with our compassionate, individualized elderly mental health care, helps seniors feel safe and engaged and provides families peace of mind.
Call (301) 701-3908 to schedule a tour today.
