Almost 2 in 10 adults over the age of 55 have experienced a mental health problem, with about 30 percent of them untreated and undiagnosed. There are many different types of mental health problems that aging adults face, and it is important to learn how to identify them in our loved ones in order to be able to bring them to be treated. At senior living communities like TerraBella Southern Pines, our team of professionals is able to identify signs of mental health problems that aging adults may be facing. Read on to learn more about some common seniors’ mental health conditions and how to identify them.
Common Mental Health Issues in Older Adults
One of the most common mental issues amongst older adults is dementia and Alzheimer’s, with almost 11 percent of older adults aged 65 and above having some form of this condition. Other common mental health issues include depression and anxiety, which tend to go hand in hand. Here are some signs that you can look out for when identifying mental health problems in your loved ones.
Changes in Home Maintenance and Appearance
When your loved one undergoes a sudden change in appearance such as a decline in personal grooming, or if they are having challenges maintaining a clean yard and home, it could be an indicator of a mental health problem. Sometimes, they could also seem reluctant to get help and instead try to keep people away.
Depression for More than Two Weeks
Everyone gets bouts of sadness. However, if these feelings of sorrow, helplessness, and desperation persist for more than two weeks, it is best to bring your loved one to a healthcare professional to determine whether there is an underlying mental condition. Diagnosing the issue is the first step to treating the issue, and can significantly improve their mental health.
Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings of Worthlessness
When left untreated, depression can spiral out of control. If your loved one is constantly feeling worthless and has suicidal thoughts, bring them to see a healthcare provider immediately to work out a resolution together.
Language and Memory Loss
Some people may feel that memory loss and challenges in expressing themselves come naturally with age. Although this is true to some extent, sometimes this is an indicator of a bigger underlying issue. If you find that your loved one is having issues communicating, expressing themselves, and recalling certain words, bring them to a doctor so that they can get the proper assessment they need, and treatment when required.
Mental health problems are a big issue that aging adults face, and it is important for loved ones and caregivers not to just brush these issues aside. At TerraBella Southern Pines, our team of professionals is well-trained and fully equipped to deal with those that have memory-related conditions, and are able to identify the signs of mental health problems and get help to them immediately. If you are on the lookout for a suitable senior living community for your loved one, feel free to contact us to find out more about what we have to offer today!
