These 10 Signs May Indicate Mental Illness in the Elderly

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 20% of adults over the age of 50 experience issues with their mental health. The most common concerns include anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, and severe cognitive impairment. Mental health issues not only cause mental and emotional suffering, but they can also make it difficult to manage physical health conditions. Effective treatment is available for mental health disorders, and it can improve the symptoms as well as the person’s overall health and quality of life.

Unfortunately, mental illness is underdiagnosed in seniors, and many mental health problems go untreated. What’s more, mental illness increases the risk of suicide, which older adults are already vulnerable to. You may be surprised to hear that although seniors account for 12% of the population, they make up 18% of suicides.

It’s important for all of us to know how to spot signs of mental illness in the elderly so we can help them get the support they need to relieve their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Take a look at the following 10 signs that may point to mental health problems in seniors.

1. Social isolation

Withdrawal from social activities may be a sign of depression or other mental health issues.

2. Appetite changes

Increased or decreased appetite or sudden weight loss or gain may point to an underlying mental health problem.

3. Confusion or disorientation

Although most people assume confusion or disorientation in the elderly is a sign of dementia, it can also be a sign of major depression or psychosis.

4. Unexplained physical symptoms

Muscle tension and pain, sweating and shaking, digestive upsets, and changes in bowel habits could be physical manifestations of mental health problems.

5. Depressed mood that lasts longer than 2 weeks

Sadness, low mood, lethargy, or other depressive symptoms that last 2 weeks or more could point to a serious mood disorder.

6. Changes in personal hygiene

People with mental health issues sometimes lose the energy to bathe, change their clothes or brush their teeth. Others may suddenly become obsessive about staying clean, and may tend to these personal hygiene tasks excessively.

7. Loss of interest in activities

When a person begins to lose interest in activities they once found pleasurable, it may be a sign of depression or other mental health issues.

8. Substance misuse

Often, people with mental health problems increase their consumption of alcohol or other substances, including unhealthy foods, in order to cope with their symptoms.

9. Sleep changes

Sudden sleep changes, such as excessive sleeping or difficulty sleeping, may be a sign of a mental health disorder.

10. Feelings of despair, worthlessness, or inappropriate guilt

Depression and other mood disorders often lead to feelings of despair, worthlessness, sorrow, emptiness, or inappropriate guilt.

Many people mistakenly believe that depression is a normal part of aging. Although it’s not true, older adults are susceptible to depression and other mental health disorders for a number of reasons, including: the grief and loss of loved ones, chronic health conditions, or limited functioning that often accompany aging. The right diagnosis and the appropriate treatment can make all the difference in a senior’s life. If you or someone you love is showing signs of mental health problems, contact a mental health provider and ask for help today.

We’re committed to the mental and physical health of our patients

At Bella Vista Health Center, we take mental health seriously. Our team is committed to the overall wellbeing of everyone who comes through our doors. If you’re looking for a 5-Star skilled nursing facility that provides exceptional rehabilitative care in a compassionate environment, we’re here for you. Give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.

The Importance of Occupational Therapy for Seniors

One of the hardest choices seniors and their loved ones have to make is deciding whether living independently at home is still feasible. When safety, functionality, and quality of life are concerns, assisted living facilities are sometimes the best option. But it’s also true that assisted living does not mean giving up independence. In fact, some facilities offer occupational therapy specifically to help seniors live more independent and productive lives.  

Although occupational therapy is often utilized after an injury or illness, or to help cope with a mental health condition, the treatment is also used to help seniors regain or strengthen life skills. Read on to discover the importance of occupational therapy for seniors:

Overcoming daily living challenges

Occupational therapy helps seniors compensate for challenges they might face while living independently, such as dressing, feeding, home management, or participation in social activities. Sometimes this is done with the help of assistive devices or new techniques that make it easier to perform daily tasks within the context of mobility limitations.

Implementing environmental modifications

Occupational therapists can facilitate updates in the home to improve safety and functionality, such as grab bars, bathtub benches, and even assistive devices like modified eating utensils or a one-handed cutting board for meal preparation. Therapists are also skilled in educating seniors on home safety, including how to prevent falls while still remaining active.

Assisting caregivers

Many seniors living at home require occasional help, whether from a family member, friend, neighbor, or professional caregiver. But when care is volunteered, it’s easy for caregivers to feel overwhelmed or pressured at times. Occupational therapy and the independence it promotes can alleviate this pressure. Plus, therapists can work with caregivers and assess their caregiving situation, which will allow them to make better decisions about their loved one’s daily needs.

Coping with permanent loss of function

Occupational therapy is particularly beneficial for seniors living with permanent loss of physical or mental functions. For example, therapists can help people with dementia make lists and utilize other prompts to aid recollection. For vision loss or degeneration, occupational therapy can assist in improving visual acuity and perception. Additionally, therapists often use computer programs to help seniors with memory, sequencing, and coordination, all of which are important to independent living.

Improving overall health and wellness

The benefits of occupational therapy go far beyond physical and mental capability—the emotional benefits from increased independence also result in a greater overall quality of life. The educational approach to occupational therapy allows seniors to redesign their lives, which promotes independence, a healthier lifestyle, and longevity. 

Could your loved one benefit from occupational therapy?

If you have a loved one who is trying to cope with the loss of physical or mental functions, Bella Vista Health Center can help. Our occupational therapy program was founded on the goal of empowering patients and helping them live functional, independent, and satisfying lives. If you have questions about our services or you would like to tour our 5-Star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove, give us a call today or fill out our contact form.