At PeachTree Place Assisted Living Community, we strive to maintain a friendly environment that fosters our residents’ mental, physical, and emotional health. Mental health issues are extremely common among seniors, but they may not be obvious to the untrained eye.
Common Factors That Negatively Impact Mental Health In Seniors
- Reduced Ability To Live Independently
- Loss Of Vision, Hearing, Or Mobility
- Reduced Ability To Do Previously-Enjoyed Activities
- Chronic Pain
- Frequent Medical Appointments & Procedures
- Certain Medication Interactions
- Long-Term Illnesses
- Dementia & Alzheimer’s
- Limited Access To Social Interactions
Mental Illnesses Are Common Among Older Adults
Mental health conditions are often thought of as primarily affecting young adults and moody teenagers, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The CDC estimates that at least 5% of seniors struggle with depression, and around 8% suffer from an anxiety disorder—and these numbers are even higher for people who are hospitalized, housebound, or living in a nursing home. Moreover, dementia and Alzheimer’s can cause depression, mood swings, delirium, and—in advanced stages—even psychosis.
Signs Your Loved One May Be Struggling
- Withdrawing from social activities or isolating themselves from friends and family.
- Sudden changes in mood or behavior.
- Difficulty concentrating or making simple decisions, such as where to go or what to eat.
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy.
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
- Crankiness, aggression, or angry outbursts (which often occur in dementia patients).
- Being paranoid that friends and family members are trying to hurt them.
- Unusually strong paranormal beliefs.
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
Assisted Living For Seniors With Mental Illness
Some seniors with mental illness fear being sent to a nursing home or psychiatric ward when their symptoms become too difficult for family members to manage. Luckily, there is another, lesser-known option available—namely, assisted living. At PeachTree Place Assisted Living Community, we can help your family strike a balance between preserving your loved one’s independence while still having on-site access to professional mental health and memory care.
Assisted Living Apartments In Utah
If Mom and Dad are showing signs of cognitive and emotional decline, why not do them a favor by considering assisted living rather than sending them to the dreaded “old folks’ home”? At PeachTree Place Assisted Living Community, we are committed to treating all residents with respect, compassion, and dignity. To learn more about how our community offers maximum independence, Alzheimer’s care, and as-needed mental health services, contact our office today to schedule a tour.
