Are you wondering how your elderly loved one will do as they get even older? Maybe, you worry about their physical health. You might be concerned that your elderly loved one will develop diabetes or a chronic pain condition. On the other hand, you may be worried about your elderly loved one’s mental health. There are many senior citizens who have mental health disorders. While these disorders are present in people in other age groups, as well, it is important for family caregivers and senior home care providers to learn about the presence of them in the elderly, too.
One of the best ways to learn about mental health disorders in senior citizens is to find out more about the common risk factors for these conditions.
Isolation
One of the most common risk factors for mental health issues in the elderly is isolation. Unfortunately, many senior citizens don’t get out of their house often. They may not have many people coming over to their house either. If this is the case for your elderly loved one, it could cause them to feel very lonely. They may even develop an anxiety disorder or depression as a result of their isolation. If you suspect this is happening with your elderly loved one, it would be a good idea to hire senior home care providers. These providers can go to your elderly loved one’ home regularly to visit so they don’t get so lonely.
Physical Health Problems
There are many physical health problems that may come up for your elderly loved one, as well. Some of the most common physical health issues that lead to mental health conditions include:
- * Chronic pain
- * Diabetes
- * Cancer
- * Gastrointestinal problems
If your elderly loved one is currently experiencing any of these health problems, be sure you help them to get the issues taken care of and/or treated as soon as possible. The sooner your elderly loved one gets these conditions under control, the less likely they will be to impact their mental health.
Dealing with Trauma
Unfortunately, there are many senior citizens and others who experience trauma in their life. Some of the various situations that could be traumatic include:
- * Loss of a spouse or another loved one
- * Car accident
- * Physical trauma
If your elderly loved one has experienced a trauma in the past, do your best to support them. They may need therapy or other resources to help them overcome the trauma. If your elderly loved one needs more support while processing and dealing with a traumatic experience, you may want to hire senior home care providers to help.
Hire Senior Home Care Providers to Assist
These are some of the many risk factors for mental health disorders in senior citizens. Now that you are aware of them, you can best help your elderly loved one with preventing mental health disorders such as anxiety disorders and depression.
Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults