Encouraging Elder Well-Being: A Comprehensive Guide for Caretakers Regarding Geriatric Mental Health
Everybody will eventually have to take care of a loved one. The act of providing and receiving care has an impact on everyone's life.
The mental health of senior citizens has drawn more attention from caregivers as the world's population ages. Geriatric mental health pertains to the mental and emotional health of people 65 years of age and above. Whether they are family members or professionals, caregivers are essential in recognizing, addressing, and promoting the mental health needs of the elderly.
The International Alliance of Carer Organizations (IACO) has identified over 63 million caregivers worldwide, demonstrating the impact that caregiving has on people's lives. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates the economic impact of unpaid caregiving to be around $600 billion, highlighting the widespread nature of this practice. The 'India Ageing Report 2023', which was jointly released by the UN Population Fund and the International Institute for Population Sciences, indicates that the number of elderly people is expected to rise steadily. Consequently, it is critical to tackle the issues associated with ageing, as they affect not only the elderly but also their carers.
A number of factors are responsible for older adults' declining mental health. Chronic pain, diabetes, and heart disease are a few illnesses that can exacerbate mental health issues. Feelings of loneliness and a reduction in social interaction are important risk factors for anxiety and depression. Cognitive decline can have an effect on mental health and can be caused by neurodegenerative diseases and natural aging processes. Prolonged grief and depression can result from losing friends, family, and spouses. For older adults, worries about their financial stability can be extremely stressful and anxiety-inducing.
As the population ages, many professionals find themselves juggling their professional obligations with taking on the role of caregiver for their aging parents. According to a well-known US study, 73% of workers also take on the role of caregiver. In this context, this article aims to offer evidence-based recommendations for safeguarding the mental health of aging parents.
The complex difficulties involved in providing care
Taking care of aging parents comes with a lot of challenges, but there isn't a single manual that prepares caregivers for this kind of work. Nonetheless, it has been noted that common mental health conditions can affect the elderly.
One major issue is the gradual role reversal that occurs as parents get older and require children to go from being dependent to taking on the role of primary caregiver.
There are difficulties in this shift for all concerned parties.
The'sandwich generation,' or those who are responsible for both young children and aging parents, bear a disproportionate share of the caregiving load. This unpaid and frequently unacknowledged work may have negative psychological, social, and physical effects.
These challenges are made worse in nuclear families, where there may be pressure from partners or other family members who are unable to take care of aging parents. When older people experience such attitudes, it aggravates mental health conditions like depression, social isolation, and loneliness, which reduces their mobility and encourages them to be less active.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 14% of adults 60 years of age and older have a mental health disorder. About 25% of the elderly experience loneliness and social isolation, which is one of the main risk factors for mental health problems later in life. Further harming their mental health is the fact that a large number of older adults take on the role of caregiver for spouses who have long-term illnesses.
Common mental health issues among the elderly
Typical geriatric mental health issues include:
√ Anxiety: Anxiety disorders are prevalent in the elderly population. This includes phobias and generalized anxiety disorder, which can be brought on by changes in one's life, health issues, or concerns about the future. Such conditions could also be brought on by financial strain, bereavement (spouse loss), and a lack of purpose after retirement.
√ Depression: Compared to young adults, elderly people may experience depression in different ways. Typically, older adults experience symptoms like fatigue, aches and pains, or sleep disturbances, as opposed to younger adults who experience feelings of sadness. Depression may have isolation and a chronic feeling of loneliness as one of its primary causes.
√ Psychosis: Delusional disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders can affect the elderly population, posing special difficulties for diagnosis and treatment. A major life event, a personal loss, or an accident could set off such conditions.
√ Cognitive decline: Among older populations, cognitive decline—whether from dementia or mild cognitive impairment—may be a significant worry. According to the WHO, one in six elderly people experience abuse, frequently at the hands of their own carers, which could be a contributing factor in cognitive decline. It should come as no surprise that a lack of socialization and insufficient mental stimulation are linked to cognitive decline.
delicate senior care
With the aging of the population comes an increasing number of people who belong to the'sandwich generation,' taking care of both their own children and their elderly parents. In order to maintain the well-being of aging parents while juggling personal and familial responsibilities, it is important to take preventative measures because this dual role can be emotionally and physically exhausting. A key component of this strategy is being alert for indicators of mental health issues and cognitive decline, offering steady emotional support, and taking into account professional caregiving services.
Parents who are getting older run the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression as well as cognitive impairments like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A higher quality of life and efficient management depend on early detection.
Cognitive decline is characterized by behavioral changes, confusion, memory loss, and language difficulties. Monitoring everyday activities and conducting routine cognitive evaluations can aid in early detection. Maintaining cognitive abilities can also be achieved by getting elderly parents involved in puzzles, reading, and memory exercises.
Older parents who are depressed or anxious may experience chronic sadness, loss of interest in activities, sleep disturbances, and excessive worry. Early detection of these problems can be facilitated by encouraging them to express their feelings and keeping lines of communication open. By showing empathy and validating their experiences, we can lessen the stigma that is frequently attached to mental health.
An important factor in older parents' wellbeing is emotional support. It entails being there, paying attention, and having deep dialogues and interactions with them.
Feelings of isolation and loneliness can be lessened by spending meaningful time with aging parents. Engaging in activities like going on walks, eating together, or just chatting about their days can improve their emotional health.
Promote social interaction by means of clubs, community centers, or religious establishments. Maintaining a sense of purpose and belonging through social engagement is essential for mental health.
For the sandwich generation, juggling personal and family obligations with caring for aging parents can be extremely taxing. Stress, burnout, and damaged relationships can result from the responsibilities of caregiving in addition to work and parenting responsibilities.
Time management that works is crucial. Setting realistic goals, assigning duties, and prioritizing work can all help caregivers cope with the many demands made on them.
In addition, caregivers need to put their own health and wellbeing first. To avoid caregiver burnout, it's imperative to maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, engage in regular exercise, and look for outside support.
Using professional caregivers can be a huge relief in cases where juggling responsibilities becomes too difficult. In order to protect the security and welfare of aging parents, professional caregivers provide specialized care, freeing up family caregivers to attend to other responsibilities.
Expert caregivers are prepared to manage personal hygiene, medication administration, and mobility support, among other facets of elder care. They can participate in activities that support mental and emotional well-being and offer company.
Family caregivers can feel less stressed knowing that their aging parents are in the hands of a professional. In situations where caregivers are unable to be present, it can be especially comforting to know that parents receive consistent, high-quality care.
Care plans that are specifically designed to meet the needs of the elderly are frequently provided by professional caregiving services. This can involve either full-time or part-time care, based on the amount of help needed.
Keeping the brain from deteriorating
It is the responsibility of caregivers to encourage physical activity, intentional engagement through hobbies, and social interaction, which includes taking part in group and spiritual activities. Furthermore, it is imperative to address the social stigma associated with mental health concerns among the elderly. This calls for the use of pharmaceutical interventions in addition to psychosocial initiatives like counseling and community-based programs that support mental health and social cohesion.
How can the process of providing care be eased?
Training on identifying the telltale signs and symptoms of mental health disorders should be provided to caregivers. It is essential to comprehend how these conditions present differently in older adults. To learn more about geriatric mental health, make use of the resources provided by organizations and your local health department. Promote honest and nonjudgmental dialogue. Because mental health concerns are stigmatized or they fear becoming a burden, older adults may be reluctant to talk about them. Engage in active listening while demonstrating compassion and understanding. Confirm their emotions and worries. Promote engaging in hobbies and social activities. Feelings of loneliness can be lessened by participating in community events, volunteer work, and groups. Assist them in maintaining virtual and social media relationships with friends and family.
Promote professional mental health services, such as counseling and therapy. In older adults, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is beneficial for treating anxiety and depression. Make sure that medication is managed properly. Review their prescriptions with medical professionals on a regular basis to prevent drug interactions and overmedication.
Encourage regular exercise, as it has been demonstrated to enhance mood and general wellbeing. To support both physical and mental health, promote a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It is important for caregivers to put their own mental health first. This entails taking pauses, asking for help, and preserving their own social networks. Participating in caregiver support groups can offer psychological assistance and useful guidance from people facing comparable circumstances.