Skip to main content

How does timely assessment for mental health issues help the elderly?

Mental health issues can crop up at any point in someone’s life. The increased awareness and conversations about mental health have made current generations sensitive to the issue. However, when it comes to the elderly, there is very little awareness and sensitivity to their issues – this is because of multiple factors. Their generation is not as well-versed with mental health issues and can brush this under the carpet. Moreover, the symptoms of mental health illnesses are not as pronounced as that of physical ailments, thus making it very difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, the effects of mental health issues are far-reaching and can even impact the elderly’s physical well-being. Thus, all these factors make it even more imperative to check on the elderly’s mental health and see a specialist to get an expert opinion.

While signs of mental health illnesses are elusive, there are some ways to check in on the well-being of your loved ones. Any changes in behaviour including memory loss, lack of coordination, mood swings, anxiety or staying aloof – all of these can be signs of memory loss or dementia, depression and other such concerns. If you notice any changes in their demeanour or physical health (trembling etc.), it’s best to consult a specialist such as the ones at Samvedna Care as they are trained to identify and treat mental health concerns in the elderly. Depending on the symptoms, a mental health assessment can be recommended which will help understand the exact concerns and problems. You can also opt for a mental health assessment online from the experts if the current situation is not favourable for physical visits.

Timely assessment for mental health issues are crucial and can help avoid many negative outcomes owing to poor mental health. Timely assessment and treatment can also help senior citizens lead a better life with renewed self-confidence. The elderly’s behaviour, capabilities and personality are thoroughly examined through a series of tests and questionnaires that provide more clarity on what is affecting them. The onset of degenerative diseases like memory loss and dementia can be as early as ten years prior to the actual diagnosis. Thus timely intervention can help reverse and slow down such diseases, which ultimately affect the overall well-being of the seniors. Mental health care for the elderly also includes assessment of cognitive skills and exercises to improve the same, which can give them a new leash on their self-esteem. With the loss of mobility, everyday skills, they may face severe setbacks, which in turn can deteriorate their mental health. Thus it is very important to check in from time to time so the correct diagnosis and treatment can be administered as soon as possible.

Psychological tests such as memory screening, neuropsychological assessments and neuropsychologist review are done to arrive at conclusive results. Memory screening can help determine if memory loss is owing to normal ageing or actually indicates the onset of dementia – this, in turn, helps to start the right course of treatment. The neuropsychological assessments help us understand the cognitive capabilities of the elderly. As these are not evident in physical tests, they may go unnoticed otherwise. With the correct diagnosis, the experts can provide the best way to regain confidence in carrying out everyday tasks, memorising things and taking decisions, which usually become difficult as the elders face cognitive issues. The neuropsychologist reviews are aimed to understand the overall mental health of the elderly. With changing circumstances, change in lifestyle, retirement and children leaving home, the elderly may be prone to depression, anxiety and may exhibit an unwillingness to participate in social activities or even daily life. In these circumstances, these reviews can help diagnose the root cause of the disease and the specialists can recommend group therapy or counselling to give the elderly a fresh perspective on life.

With timely assessment and administering of the right treatment, the elderly can benefit greatly when it comes to their mental health. Timely intervention can help slow down the onset of degenerative diseases and help the elderly have a better grasp on life. Therapy and counselling also give the seniors a fresh start and they can go about their lives with renewed energy and vigour. While loneliness and depression can be common side effects, they need not be the cause of an unhappy life – treatments ensure that the elderly stay motivated and happy and finally do enjoy the golden years. Through social groups, group activities and one to one conversations, they can finally see the other side of life, which can be equally enjoyed even at their age. Taking up suggested hobbies or partaking in games and puzzles designed to improve their cognitive skills can greatly improve their quality of life and give them the confidence to lead a fulfilled, happy and healthy life. So if you think your loved one is facing any of these issues, do not hesitate to reach out to the experts as this is the time to help them.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

The post How does timely assessment for mental health issues help the elderly? appeared first on Samvedna Senior Care.



from Samvedna Senior Care https://ift.tt/YHtnxsI
via IFTTT
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

For Family Caregivers, A New Year’s Resolution Can Inspire Your Best Year Yet

If you are among the 8% of Americans who actually accomplish their New Year’s resolution goals , well done! However, if you are like the majority of us, you’ve given up prior to even turning the calendar page to February. Although it is undoubtedly commendable to attempt to better ourselves by resolving to lose 10 pounds or with healthier living, for busy family caregivers, there are truly meaningful, achievable goals that will improve life all through the year. Consider these recommendations: Find joy. Looking after somebody else is a labor of love, but can also bring about challenges, which makes it hard to concentrate on the daily benefits that spark joy. Devote some time on a daily basis to pause and discover a reason to smile. Bring a sense of humor to your daily caregiving tasks, sharing laughter together with your loved one. Enjoy the feeling of the sunlight shining through the window as you’re folding laundry. And make time to call someone who lifts your spirits for a brief...
Post a Comment
Read more

Dads and Pops: Your Good Health Matters to Us 

Did you know  June is  Men’s Health Month  and Father’s Day anchors Men’s Health Week ?   Celebrate dad on Father’s Day and thank him for all he  has  done, but  also  make sure to seize an opportunity sometime this month to have a conversation with him about his health. This awareness campaign has the critical purpose of informing men   that avoiding preventive healthcare puts them at real and serious risk of  contracting a disease or  acquiring  a chronic condition.   Studies consistently  show the numbers go against men , particularly as they advance into their senior years.   Even with dramatic advances in diagnosis and treatment over the past 100 years, men’s life expectancy still lags significantly behind women. According to  Harvard Health ,  the gap is widening. In 1900, the life expectancy for women was 48.3 years vs. 46.3 for men. In 2017, it was 81.1 years for women vs. 76.1 for men. Harvard...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Does Caregiving Stress Affect Your Career?

Lots of caregivers believe that the stress they experience as a part of caregiving is something that they only experience in that situation. But stress doesn’t care where you are or what you’re doing. If you ignore it, you’ll find the effects of stress following you even to your career and that can be bad for multiple reasons. Stress Is Everywhere Stress is a normal part of life. It’s literally everywhere and it takes the form of both “good” stress and “bad” stress. So-called good stress makes you alert to dangers and can keep you from making mistakes that could prove harmful to you. Bad stress is stress that takes a toll on you mentally and physically. It’s a result of being hypervigilant for too long. Stress Doesn’t Stay in Categories Something else to understand about stress is that it doesn’t stay boxed up neatly. Your stress as a caregiver will flow into the rest of your life, including your career and your other relationships, unless you take steps to manage it appropriat...
Post a Comment
Read more