Senior Assisted Living Care Home - Glendora, CA - Adora Hills

Glendora Senior Care Home

Mental Health

Superior Senior Mental Health Achievable By Staying Fit And Sharp

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Senior working on a computer to improve mental health.

Many people including caregiver feel that the decline of senior mental health is a natural part of aging.  While it is true that seniors are at a greater risk for mental illnesses, that doesn’t mean it has to happen.  In fact, many of the diseases that are considered to be inevitable are actually preventable, or at least treatable.

Good senior mental health habits and early diagnosis are the keys.  Seniors should join their own mental “health club.”  It’s common in our society to focus on being physically fit.  We exercise, eat better, talk to our doctor, get more sleep, etc.  We should have the same type of regimen for mental fitness.  Exercise and stimulate the brain daily.  Do things you enjoy, reduce stress and focus on the positive.  Also, do what many seniors don’t do – talk to your doctor about cognitive and emotional issues.  Consider her/him your own personal (mental fitness) trainer.

Statistics and Findings About Senior Mental Health

  • It is estimated that 15% of those 60 years of age and older suffer from symptoms of mental illness.
  • Depression is the most prevalent mental health problem among older adults
  • 80% recovered from depression after receiving proper treatment.
  • Medicare, which tends to set the standard for insurance benefits, covers only 50% of the costs of mental health services.
  • It is estimated that up to 63% of older adults with a mental disorder do not receive the services they need.
  • Changes that come with aging can all impact a senior’s mental health.
  • Changes in body and chemistry.
  • Changes in family and friendships.
  • Changes in living situations.

Sharpen The Mind

Seniors can practice good mental health habits.  There are challenges and adaptations for mental health treatment for the elderly. Here are some simple guidelines that can even be adapted to the abilities of the frail and the cognitively impaired.

  • Make decisions.  The process of working through information and situations, then reaching a conclusion, sharpens the mind and adds to one’s independence.
  • Get going.  Movement and exercise help to keep the mind fit, as well as the body. 
  • Communicate and socialize.   Interact with other people – talk, sign or write.  Inquire, exchange ideas and express feelings.  If you are alone, join in the activities of local senior centers, community clubs or church groups to improve mental health.
  • Keep learning.  You’re never too old to try a new recipe, start a new hobby or listen to an interesting speaker.  Stimulating the mind increases self-esteem, decreases boredom, adds excitement and builds confidence.

Sometimes when the senior mental health challenges increase it may come time to evaluate options for senior care.

(Sources:  American Assn. of Geriatric Psychology, American Psychiatric Assn., CDC)

Manage Your Stress – Or It Will Eventually Set Off Internal Alarms

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When we are young, we can often over due it and get away with it.  As we age, there seems to be less margin for error.  So it’s important not to let stress get out of hand and have a negative effect on your health, as well as on your quality of life.

To protect yourself, you should identify your sources of stress, then take action to eliminate, reduce or deal with them – stress management.  The goal is to create a physical and emotional balance that leads to a sense of calmness and control.  Easier said than done.  The formula to do this is very personal, varying from person to person.

In our society, the source of stress may actually be self-created.  We take on too much, worry unnecessarily, feel a need to be perfect and try to keep up with the Jones’.  In these situations, stress management is all about changing habits that are not in your own best interest.

Warning! Warning!

The human body lets you know that stress levels are climbing…or not subsiding.  However, it is quite common for people not to pay attention to these warnings due to choice, ignorance and/or necessity.  When this happens, the body increases the frequency and/or intensity of its warnings. 

The constant release of stress response hormones lead to alerts that come in the form of changes within key systems of the body.

  • Digestive – Suffer from a queasy stomach due to a slower release of stomach acid and a slower emptying of the stomach, or diarrhea due to colon stimulation.
  • Nervous – Struggle with bouts of anxiety, feelings of doom or helplessness.
  • Cardiovascular – Have an increase in blood pressure, cholesterol and/or triglycerides, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.
  • Immune – Get more colds and infections.

Coping

There are many things you can do to cope with chronic stress.  Here are some things to consider.

  • Have A Plan – Many times stress is the result of actions that become habit.  You need a plan to become conscious of these stressful habits and to change them.
  • Breath – When dealing with stressful situations, slowly take deep breaths through your nose, hold for five seconds and release though your mouth.  Practicing meditation or yoga take breathing to an even higher level.
  • Exercise – Release muscle tension by moving and stretching.
  • Be Realistic – When there is too much to do, you may have to politely say “no.”
  • Reach Out – Blow off steam to a good friend or meet with a licensed professional counselor.  It’s helpful to share your feelings with someone else.

 (Sources:  HelpStartsHere.org, MentalHealthAmerica.net)

Caregivers Need Love, Too! Take Care Of Yourself While Caring For An Elderly Loved One 

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Taking care of yourself can help you care for your loved one with clarity, energy, and without resentment.

The love of a parent caring for a child is so often a selfless love.  But, what happens when the roles reverse and the adult child becomes responsible for the well being of their elderly parent?  This love is no less selfless.  However, it often doesn’t feel quite right. 

There may be confusion, sadness and helplessness over seeing one’s parent (is also their hero) struggle to handle normal activities of daily living.  There may also be feelings of guilt because you are “not doing enough”.  All too often this results in the caregiver burning out from trying to do it all, with little help from anyone else. 

Although often difficult, caring for a loved one does not have to be totally overwhelming.  To that end we offer the following…

Survival Tips for the Caregiver

Learn all you can – When you discover what to expect and become aware of normal symptoms, you are less likely to become confused, or blame yourself for not preventing the problem. 

Recognize your feelings – Right from the start, get used to checking in with your emotions.  Deal with feelings of guilt, anger, sadness, etc. before they become unmanageable.

Ask for help – This is often the most difficult thing for a caregiver to do.  We think we have to do it all ourselves.  Try to remember two things:

  1. You deserve the help.  You are not an expert in this area, and even experts don’t try to do it all by themselves. 
  2. People like to help.  Although they are not always available at the right time, family and friends typically want to be needed.  When someone asks “What can   I do?” you should be prepared to give them some options. 

Note:  Think about the help you need ahead of time.  You can even make a list and have the helpers choose from the list.   

Use professionals – In addition to asking friends and family for help, take advantage of resources that are available to you.  Some to consider: 

  • Social Workers
  • Nursing Services
  • Counselors
  • Day Care Services
  • Physical Therapists
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Caregiving Services
  • Community Services

Watch for signs of  burnout –  If you are not getting enough sleep, food, or time for yourself, you are a candidate for burnout.  If you need tranquilizers, alcohol, coffee, or other substances to help you get through the day, you may be on the verge of burnout.  If you constantly feel overwhelmed, trapped, or discouraged, you may be in the middle of burnout.  Do not ignore these signs.  Get help.

Take care of yourself – You may avoid burnout if you take care of your own physical, mental and social needs.  Plan for time away from your caregiver responsibilities.  Exercise and get plenty of rest.  Eat right.  (Often, caregivers neglect their own nutrition while looking after that of their loved one). 

Tickle Your Funny Bone – Chuckles, Giggles And A Belly Laugh Are Good For Your Health

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“Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine.”  That’s a quote from the 19th century British poet, Lord Byron.  Medical science in the 21st century is taking him up on his advice.  It is becoming more and more common for doctors to recommend this “funny” medicine that is free…and has no negative side effects.

 A doctor has a stethoscope up to a man’s chest.  The man asks “Doc, how do I stand?”  The doctor says “That’s what puzzles me!(Joke by Henny Youngman)

Medical and psychological research are now taking laughter seriously and studying its benefits in people of all ages.  One such study was conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  They found that people with heart disease are 40% less likely to laugh (even in positive situations) than people without heart disease.  Laughter seems to protect the heart, although they don’t know how at this point.

A hearty response to humor may have other benefits, as well.  Maybe that’s why Milton Berle felt “Laughter is an instant vacation.”

Potential Benefits

Humor, and its resulting laughter, make you feel good on 3 levels – emotional, cognitive, physical.  Here are some of the ways in which a good belly laugh may pay off.

  • Lowers blood pressure and improves circulation.
  • Boosts the immune system.
  • Relaxes muscles.
  • Massages the major organs in the body.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety, while helping to cope with scary and unpleasant situations.
  • Relieves pain, distress and grief.
  • Relieves headaches.
  • Lifts your mood and increases energy.
  • Improves brain functioning and clarity.
  • Breaks down communication barriers and connects you with other people.

Show Me The Funny

You can improve your sense of humor.  Increased exposure is the key.  Focus on placing yourself into more experiences that will make you laugh.

  • Watch funny movies/TV shows and read funny books.  Include a humor break in every day.
  • Socialize with funny people and those who see the bright side of things.  On the other side of the coin, avoid the negative types.
  • Observe (and play with) children and animals.  They will help you find amusement and amazement in the simplest things.
  • Look for (and laugh at) the absurd and silly things that happen in everyday life.
  • Share your fun.  If you hear a joke you like, tell it to others.  If remembering jokes is not your forte, write it down and practice telling it so you get the timing right.  The same goes for funny situations and anecdotes.

(Sources:  Assn. for Applied & Therapeutic Humor, Univ. of Maryland Medical System, HolisticOnLine.com)

Who’s At Risk?

There are over 3 million people in the U.S. that are afflicted with glaucoma, of which half don’t know they have it.  Although, anyone can be a victim of this disease, some people face a higher risk for contraction.  They include:

  • People over the age of 60.  The risk increases as the age of the senior increases.
  • People of Afro-American descent.  They have an incidence rate of glaucoma that is much higher than the rest of the population and are stricken with the disease at younger ages.
  • People suffering from diabetes.
  • People with a family history of glaucoma.
  • People with a high degree of nearsightedness.
  • People who have had an eye injury or eye surgery.
  • People who have taken steroids for long periods of time.

(Sources: National Eye Institute, Glaucoma Research Foundation)