Senior mental health care is important as more and more older people are choosing to age in place rather than staying in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Aging in place provides independence and comfort, however, it does pose some risks to mental health and wellbeing.
Loneliness, cognitive decline, depression and other elderly mental health issues are common in older people who live alone.
Social isolation is the main mental health danger for elderly people who stay in their homes without proper support systems. People are meant to connect and have significant relationships throughout their lives.
Many elderly persons suffer from loneliness and lack of social participation because of issues such as family being far away, mobility problems, and loss of partners, friends, and peers. Chronic loneliness is a major elderly mental health issue leading to depression and anxiety. It can reduce seniors’ cognitive abilities and general physical health.
Depression is a frequent and neglected senior mental health disorder when living at home.
In some cases poor senior mental health presents as sadness, hopelessness and lack of joy in those certain activities that a person used to enjoy. In others, especially in older men, depression can show itself as irritability, anger, and tiredness. Grieving can also cause its own set of issues. Major family losses, loss of independence, and chronic pain can increase risks of depression in older adults.
Cognitive impairment is another problem.
It usually becomes worse when social isolation generally happens gradually in older adults. Social activities provide seniors with the cognitive activity necessary for maintaining intellect, memory, and other brain functions. Deprived of it, as well as of problems such as older hearing loss that hinders communication, the chances grow that earlier and more severe forms of dementia will set in.
Looking for senior mental health help at home? My Choice Home Care is a senior care service that serves clients in Macon, Jackson, and Haywood Counties in North Carolina. Counties served in Georgia are Rabun, Towns, and Habersham. Counties served in Upstate South Carolina are Oconee, Pickens, and Anderson. Visit MyChoiceHome.Care or call (828) 200-9000 to speak to someone today if you or a loved one would like to enjoy the benefits of living independently in your own home.
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