MENTAL HEALTH IN OLDER AGE
Men and women who are at an advanced age can still suffer from various mental and behavioral health disorders. This is often a forgotten aspect of those who are at an older age, as some seem to think that their grandparents or parents should not really have any need to struggle with anxiety, depression and other symptoms. However, these are not the only mental health symptoms that can be experienced: Alzheimer’s Disease, severe disturbances in one’s mood, significant memory loss and others can decrease one’s quality of life significantly if left untreated.
No matter what age, however, individuals may sometimes suffer from mental health conditions at a severe level; this may require different types of inpatient treatment in order to diagnose, intensively treat and effectively conquer the various experienced symptoms. At the same time, geriatric care does pose a different level of need; so how does one exactly know when to seek out inpatient treatment for various mental and behavioral health issues?
Let’s first quickly look at what inpatient treatment should offer. A quality facility should be able to offer older patients a structured and therapeutic environment, including an environment where the patient feels welcomed, cared for and that they are being listened to, not merely listened at. An intensive physician-led team that includes members that offer a variety of disciplines in order to help diagnose and treat the mental health issue in the most effective and sensitive way possible. The program should also offer a treatment plan that is individualized for each patient member’s needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
So now that we have established the kind of psychiatric care that would be well-suited for seniors who suffer from mental health issues, let’s consider what would constitute a need for inpatient care and residing at a treatment center for a set period of time. One of the most critical elements to be aware of is someone showing or highlighting the potential to cause self-harm or to engage in either suicidal behaviors or suicidal ideations. Essentially, anyone posing a risk to themselves or potentially others would be a good candidate for inpatient treatment.
A change in an older man or woman’s behavior, or established pattern of behavior can indicate a deeper issue at work. Sometimes inpatient treatment is recommended for psychotic or bizarre behaviors in order to study what exactly is happening. Explosive anger and outbursts towards friends, family and other loved ones doesn’t always necessarily mean that there is a mental health issue at work; but if the outbursts are frequent, or if you noticed a significant change from how they used to act, then inpatient treatment could possibly be recommended.
Various impairments to their day-to-day activities can be a significant hindrance and make it more difficult for seniors to take care of themselves if the mental or behavioral health conditions tend to inhibit them. Being placed in a secure, therapeutic and structured environment, such as a facility like Carolina Dunes Behavioral Health, means that the mental health needs can be addressed as quickly as possible, along with the involvement of their family members.
For more information, or for a free and confidential evaluation, contact 855-537-2262 today.
