4 | SBH Caring
FOR YOUR
Health
The research about seniors and mental
illness is sobering: more than five million
adults 65 years of age and older suffer from
dementia, and many are diagnosed with
depression and/or anxiety disorders.
That’s hardly surprising as older people
often have a great deal to contend with.
This can include their physical decline,
the death of loved ones, the loss of
independence, a change in environment,
and greater isolation, to name just a few.
To help elderly loved ones, family caregivers
need to be able to identify the signs of
mental health problems as early as possible
and, when necessary, get professional help.
“Depression is typically characterized by
sadness, guilt, hopelessness, helplessness;
there’s crying, self-reproach,” says
Dr. Arthur Cronen, a psychiatrist at SBH
Health System. “In the geriatric population,
there can be some variation of this. The
person may have a greater sense of feeling
isolated; they may have less stamina, less
energy. The person may complain more, or
their appetite or sleep may be disturbed.”
Studies have shown that seniors who suffer
from depression or anxiety disorders are
treated most effectively with a combination
of medication and psychotherapy. It’s
important to note that older people process
drugs more slowly than younger people and
usually need lower doses of medication.
Is this normal?
While normal aging may be accompanied
by some short-term memory loss in
terms of problems with finding words or
remembering names, these are not usually
signs of Alzheimer’s disease or other types
of dementias.
“These signs may depend on the
personality type,” says Dr. Cronen. “For
example, if a quiet, mousy person becomes
belligerent, or an outgoing and gregarious
person becomes more internal and less
communicative, that may be an indication.
But, counter to that, if you have someone
who, say, is normally paranoid or secretive,
this trait might become more intensified.”
Early identification of dementia allows
families to prepare for the future.
Some medications may impact how a person
thinks and understands their surroundings.
“The most important benefit of identifying
the early signs is that it gives the family the
chance to make plans while the person is
still functioning,” explains Dr. Cronen. “They
can make decisions in terms of power of
attorney, getting financial issues straightened
out, determining whether they have the
capacity to care for the patient at home or
put them in a nursing home. The treatment
calls for maintaining safety and preparing for
the future. You don’t want to wait.”
SBH offers many mental health services for
our community, from therapy to medication
management. Find the best program that
meets your needs by calling 718-960-3071.
Recognizing Signs of
Mental Illness
in Seniors
“The most important benefit of identifying
the early signs is that it gives the family the
chance to make plans while the person is
still functioning.”
CAREGIVERS:
SBH Caring
FOR YOUR
Health | 5
As any caregiver knows,
this is not an easy job.
A family caregiver is typically a spouse, adult
child or sibling who cares for an elderly loved
one or child. According to the National Alliance
for Caregiving, of the 34.2 million Americans
who provide unpaid care to an adult age 50
or older, about half care for someone with
Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia.
In many cases, it means juggling care with the
demands of your immediate family, your job and
your own needs.
Caregiver burnout is a very real problem
that can threaten your physical and mental
well-being. Common signs and symptoms
of caregiver stress include feeling anxious or
depressed, having difficulty sleeping, being
irritable, always feeling tired and run down
(and, as a result, often getting sick), having
trouble concentrating, feeling resentful, and/or
neglecting other responsibilities.
Tip #1
Accept help
.
This may mean finding a family member or friend
to relieve you so you can take a break for several hours a week.
Explore the resources that are available in your community in
terms of meal programs, adult day care, transportation, tax
exemptions and Medicaid waivers, etc.
Tip #2
Focus on what you
can
provide.
Rather than stress over what
you cannot control (for example, your loved one’s health condition),
work on how you can improve on reacting to problems.
Tip #3
Set realistic goals.
Know your own limits. Prioritize, make lists
and establish a daily routine. Say no to requests that will only
cause you more stress (like hosting family get-togethers).
Tip #4
Look for a support group.
People in support groups will
understand what you are going through and might know of
services that can help you and your loved one.
Tip #5
Don’t ignore your own health.
Make sure you eat and sleep
properly. Make time for exercise.
Tip #6
Don’t isolate yourself.
It’s easy to cut yourself off from
friends and outside activities. Make sure you continue to have
outlets outside of the care you’re providing.
Tip #7
Educate yourself on your loved one’s needs.
The more
you know, the less anxiety you’ll feel about your role and the
more effective you’ll be. Turn to your doctor, social worker or
therapist, or talk to others who have gone through this.
Tip #8
See your doctor.
Don’t hesitate to mention any health
concerns or symptoms you have.
Tip #9
Encourage your loved one’s independence.
Caregiving
does not mean doing everything. Be open to new technologies
and strategies that will allow your family member to be as
independent as possible. It’s necessary for both of you.
Tip #10
Watch out for early signs of burnout in yourself.
If they
should occur, get professional help as soon as possible. You
need to take care of yourself, or you won’t be able to take care
of your loved one.
10 Tips for Preventing
Caregiver Burnout
