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While aging brings wisdom, experience, and resilience, it can also bring unique mental health challenges among older adults, many of which go unspoken or unnoticed. Life transitions, social isolation and health anxieties lead many to feel lonely, agitated, and depressed. These common feelings are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Other underlying mental health issues may also exist.

If untreated or unrecognized, mental health issues among seniors can affect those who care for them, whether family members or professional caregivers, since they can lead to behavioral issues that are challenging to manage.

Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Seniors

Mental health needs among older adults are more common than most people recognize. In one example, a global study published in the Annals of General Psychiatry found that nearly 20% of adults aged 60 and older experience depression.

Despite its prevalence, many seniors are reluctant to talk about their mental health, viewing it as a private matter or an unavoidable part of aging. But mental well-being is vital and addressing it can significantly improve a person’s quality of life.

As with physical health issues, the first steps are for the caregivers to communicate the issues to appropriate family members who can then inform their healthcare providers. Resulting behavioral issues can be very stressful for everyone involved. For example, a caregiver may feel uneasy, angry or frustrated if:

• The person receiving care is unable to listen or gets moody or overly emotional.
• They respond poorly or resist being helped.
• They exhibit behavior that doesn’t seem normal in some way.

Signs of Depression or Other Mental Health Issues

Family members, caregivers, and even seniors themselves should stay alert to signs that may indicate a mental health concern. These can include:

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or worry
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
• Withdrawal from social interaction
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Unexplained aches or fatigue

Early intervention is key. Encouraging open conversations and routine mental health screenings can make a world of difference.

How In-Home Care Supports Mental Well-Being

At Arcadia Home Care, we understand that emotional well-being is essential to whole-person care. Our caregivers are trained to recognize changes in behavior and provide support with compassion and respect. They are also trained to manage their own emotions in stressful situations to remain patient, calm and understanding. We take the necessary steps to help our clients and families feel seen, supported, and connected.

Companionship and Small Steps Make a Big Difference

Supporting mental health in older adults doesn’t always require major changes. Simple strategies like encouraging social engagement, promoting physical activity (even gentle movement), supporting access to hobbies and interests, talking openly about feelings and mental health, and connecting to counseling or support groups can go a long way in fostering resilience, improving outlook, and restoring a sense of purpose.

As we grow older, watching our parent’s age can be difficult. In areas they once thrived, they now struggle. As they slow down, their needs increase, leaving you with difficult decisions to make. You’re now worried about whether they are taking their medications correctly and eating healthy meals throughout the day. Other major concerns present themselves as well; you worry about their physical mobility, their ability to maintain good hygiene, as well as their mental wellbeing.

You can alleviate your concerns by turning to comprehensive and compassionate home care services that can care for your loved one in their own home. The loss of independence is difficult for aging adults who are struggling with the effects of getting older. Hiring in-home care can be a great solution for many reasons.

Professional caregivers provide seniors with physical assistance, as well as help with the emotional and routine aspects of daily life. In addition to providing activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, homecare workers supply invaluable personal benefits, especially to an aging person who may live alone and have few family or friends visit regularly. Professional caregivers can provide precious social interaction like going to the movies, visiting a coffee shop, taking outdoor walks, or even cooking together. These interactions help reduce the chances of loneliness and depression in older adults.

Home care staffing services are able to help aging individuals continue living safely and comfortably at home. Visit ArcadiaHomeCare.com to find out about all the services provided. Request a free in-home consultation for more information.

Aging parents want to continue to live at home, we know this. But we also know that there are concerns that come with elderly parent(s) being alone when their health or mobility is jeopardized. A family member can’t always be there to help them with daily tasks, but they also can’t do it all themselves. That leaves you two options: home care or nursing home care.

According to AARP, more than 95% of seniors want to stay in their home as long as possible, even if they need help with day-to-day activities; but there also comes a time when staying home may no longer be a realistic option. Utilizing this information you can make a better, more informed decision with your loved one about which elderly home care services option is best for them.

Home Care
The major advantage of home health care is that seniors get to age in place among their friends and surroundings that make them feel secure and happy. They can maintain their freedom. Home care allows for a more personal, one-on-one relationship with the caregiver. Also, seniors are able to remain as independent as they are able.

Assisted Living Care
Seniors who require more assistance than what can be provided in the home may need to consider an assisted living facility. Assisted living care provides a wide range of services to individuals who want to maintain some level of independence but require support with daily activities.

Nursing Home
Nursing homes, commonly known as skilled nursing facilities, serve as licensed healthcare residences for individuals who require a higher level of medical care than can be provided in an assisted living facility. Nursing homes are typically staffed with a variety of medical professionals and are secure facilities, ideal for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia who might be prone to wandering.

There is no magical age or one-size-fits-all solution when a senior may need help. It is our goal to provide the highest quality elderly home care services. Call today to schedule a free consultation with our qualified staff to discuss your needs.

Once you have made the decision to entrust your loved one’s life with an in-home caregiver, how do you work with Arcadia to select the best caregiver? There are a number of considerations in order to ensure we build a positive relationship for, you, your loved one, and the caregiver.

Arcadia Home Care is able to match a caregiver specifically with the tasks you need. For example, you may want someone who can prepare meals and drive your loved one to doctor appointments. Or, if social interaction is a priority, you could request a caregiver who is energetic or one that is quiet. When you work with us, we select a caregiver based on the home care needs of your loved one.

It’s best to start by giving Arcadia as much information as possible about your loved one. Be sure to emphasize what is most important, both in terms of technical skills as well as other social or environmental considerations. Here are a few things to consider when looking for personal care aides.

• Loved one’s level of functioning
• Food preferences
• Activities they enjoy

Contact Arcadia Home Care for more information. Call us toll-free at 866-224-7541 to speak to a friendly, knowledgeable staff member. We have been serving families for more than 35 years at a number of locations throughout the country.