Almost a fifth of all adults aged 55 and above have had some form of mental health problem, with many of them remaining misdiagnosed and untreated. It is important that we are able to identify mental health problems in our aging loved ones to provide them with the help they need. Read on to learn more about the warning signals and how to deal with them if they arise.
Sleep Changes or Fatigue
Mental health issues can interfere with appropriate sleep habits, resulting in mental fog, lethargy, and weariness throughout the day. These symptoms indicate that mental stress is present, and their sleep troubles should be investigated in order to enhance both mental and physical health.
Problems with Finances And Budgeting
Memory issues may undoubtedly be transferred to working with money and maintaining a budget. If you see that the older folks in your life are struggling to manage their finances, see if you can step in and analyze the problem, as well as provide them with the necessary assistance.
Social Withdrawal
When older individuals have mental and physical health issues, it can be challenging to overcome the emotional, mental, and physical hurdles that make it difficult to be present and productive in relationships. If you have a loved one or a friend who is experiencing social isolation, do your bit to reconnect and determine what they require to re-engage with family and community.
Memory Loss
Many individuals believe that memory loss and difficulties expressing oneself verbally are natural parts of the aging process. While this may be true for some people, however, if you see that the episodes are excessive, or if loved ones are having difficulty expressing themselves owing to an inability to recall words while conversing, take them to their doctor so they may be thoroughly tested and treated for suspected dementia.
Suicidal Thoughts
If depression is not adequately managed, it can easily spiral out of control. It is critical to be able to recognize these unpleasant sentiments and work with your loved ones to alleviate their source and reach a more peaceful settlement.
Changes in Upkeep
Personal hygiene declines or a sudden shift in keeping a tidy house or yard may be an early warning indication of mental health problems. Being resistive to getting assistance may also indicate that they are attempting to keep others away so that the genuine state of their living situations is not revealed.
Choose Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay
At Discovery Village At Sarasota Bay, we understand the challenges that people with dementia experience. When your loved one moves into our retirement community, we will guide and help them using a patient-centered approach that is widely regarded as among the best in the country. Our SHINE® Memory Care program is intended to restore and preserve what has been lost as a result of their disease. With the ongoing education and training in memory care issues that both our nurses and certified nursing assistants get, they are able to construct a path for each resident that touches on many important aspects of life.
