Mental Health Awareness Month: Spotlight on Senior Home Care
Entering older age comes with a lot of strong emotions. Turning 65 marks retirement for many: a time for rest, enjoying the fruits of their labor, and tackling their bucket list. However, retirement age can also be a vulnerable time in terms of mental health for older adults. As physical health challenges arise and the ability to perform certain tasks decreases, the risk for mental health concerns increases.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re here to talk about senior living for mental health. Depression, dementia, anxiety, and other mental health issues are not inevitable parts of aging. In fact, home care services like ComForCare are doing everything possible to ensure that older adults can live their best lives. Here’s how home care can make a positive difference.
Facts About Mental Health in Older Adults
Mental health is a complex concept, bringing together emotional well-being, psychology, and lifestyle behaviors. The whole picture of mental health involves many factors, from neurological concerns like dementia to more abstract concepts like maintaining a sense of purpose. Here are some statistics about mental health issues in senior citizens:
- Mental and neurological disorders account for 6.6% of total disability in adults over 60.
- Approximately 20% of people over 55 experience mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety.
- Symptoms of depression are linked to significantly increased costs of medical services.
- Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders in older adults are chronically under-diagnosed.
Here’s the good news: more than 80% of depression cases can be successfully treated with therapy, medication, or positive lifestyle interventions. So, where does home care factor in?
How Home Care Makes a Difference
Home care services help older adults maintain independence while providing health support, enrichment, and companionship. All of these things can help senior citizens keep a positive outlook, manage their overall health and wellbeing, and cultivate a healthy lifestyle.
When a person loses the ability to care for themselves, they often anticipate a loss of independence, which is strongly tied to a sense of dignity. Researchers agree that dignity is crucial for our mental health—in fact, it’s at the core of psychological well-being, social connection, and humanity.
Home care services allow older adults to live comfortably at home with the support they need. Caregivers are there to assist with daily tasks while providing space and opportunity for healthy, independent living.
Mental and physical health are closely connected, and studies show that home care supports both. Home care is associated with fewer hospital admissions, decreased falls, and more accurate medication administration. Home care also removes the stress caused by moving away from home, which can compound mental and physical health concerns.
Enrichment & Healthy Habits
The dedicated caregivers at ComForCare are there to help people with tasks they can’t perform themselves, but that’s not all. They’re also advocates for the people they care for, helping them stick to their plan of care and develop healthy lifestyle habits that support mental health.
In addition to providing physical assistance, caregivers can:
- Prepare nutritious meals that support a healthy mood
- Provide meaningful companionship to alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Accompany clients during healthy activities like walking and gardening, or provide transportation to group fitness classes, parks, etc.
- Encourage clients to participate in hobbies and activities that they enjoy
- Help families find and navigate community resources such as therapy, counseling, financial assistance, and more.
Seniors Living with Dementia
Seniors living with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia have special needs when it comes to managing mental health. DementiaWise®, ComForCare’s unique approach to dementia care, takes these needs to heart. Our specially trained caregivers provide memory care services that not only help clients manage challenging dementia behaviors but actually decrease them.
By prioritizing stimulating activities, encouragement, and support, our dementia techniques keep your loved one calm, engaged, happy, and functioning. Dignity doesn’t stop with dementia—our caregivers are here to make sure of that.
Mental Health Matters for Everyone
Mental health issues know no age barriers. That’s why supporting elderly loved ones means taking their total well-being into account, both physical and psychological. Aging comes with many challenges, but with trusted home care services there to help, it can be the journey of joy and peace that all older adults deserve.
ComForCare: Helping Seniors Live Their Best Lives
ComForCare is a proud member of the Best Life Brands family of companies, helping older adults retain independence, dignity, and happiness in their golden years. Mental health support for senior citizens is a crucial part of care. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing top-quality home care services to families throughout the U.S. and Canada.