What Two Most Common Mental Illnesses Do Older Adults Face and How Does Senior Care Help?

Mental illness isn’t always talked about. When it’s an older adult facing one of the common forms of mental illness, it can be difficult to bring the situation into the open. There’s a stigma many feel that it’s not something to discuss.

If your parent suffers from one of the two most common mental illnesses in older adults, don’t stay silent. Talk about it. Get the help your parent needs. Once that’s being discussed, look at how senior care can help them manage their illness.

#1 – Anxiety

Senior Care Shallowater, TX: Common Mental Illnesses

Anxiety disorders are very common in older adults. Approximately 8 percent of the population of men and women over the age of 65 have some form of anxiety disorder.

There are several types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety are common. People may go to the doctor after experiencing a panic attack, but after being told there’s nothing wrong or it’s just stress, those people are less likely to seek medical care when they’re having repeat occurrences.

Symptoms of a panic attack can mimic a heart attack. Sweating, chest pain, numbness in the feet and hands, difficulty breathing, and dizziness are all typical symptoms.

When anxiety is diagnosed, therapy sessions may help. It can also help to have someone around for emotional support. Just having someone to talk to in the stressful moments helps immensely. Medication reminders and transportation also help.

#2 – Depression

Depression is the most common mental health issue older adults face. It may appear in conjunction with the diagnosis of a chronic health condition or following a spouse or significant other’s death. Statistics show that seniors who are depressed are more likely to go to the doctor or need services in a hospital’s emergency room.

The State of Mental Health and Aging in America’s report says 8 out of 10 cases of depression in older adults can be treated. It’s important to take your parent to a doctor for a diagnosis and ask about therapeutic measures and prescription medications that help ease depression. Companionship and medication reminders can be essential senior care services for someone who is depressed.

Senior care is more than help with housework and meals. So many services can help your parent better manage their health issues and enjoy living independently. All it takes is a helping hand. Call a senior care agency to learn more.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering Senior Care in Shallowater, TX, please contact the caring staff at Best In-Home Care (806) 412-0723.

 

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/mental_health.pdf