While dementia is one of the most common mental health issues among seniors, it’s by no means the only one. Seniors are also affected by depression and anxiety, and these issues often go untreated, since they can be easy to hide from others. Recognizing the signs of emotional and mental changes your senior loved one may be experiencing can help you provide the best possible assistance. Watch for the following symptoms.
Sadness
We all experience sadness from time to time. However, if your loved one shows signs of unhappiness for more than two weeks, it might be due to depression. If this depressed mood is accompanied by a withdrawal from social events or a disinterest in favorite activities, it may even impact your loved one’s physical health.
For families living in Arlington, senior home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Physical Reactions
Mental and emotional changes sometimes have physical repercussions. Unexplained physical ailments like aches, pains, and constipation are sometimes attributable to mental health.
Depression and anxiety can also lead to changes in appetite. If your loved one’s diet noticeably changes, or if he or she gains or loses a substantial amount of weight, it might be due to decreased emotional or mental health.
At-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Exhaustion
Inexplicable fatigue is another sign of fluctuating mental health. If your loved one has previously had no difficulty sleeping but has begun to complain of lethargy, restlessness, or insomnia, it may be a sign of depression. This is especially notable in otherwise physically healthy seniors who aren’t kept awake by pain.
Memory Loss
Memory loss in seniors is often associated with dementia. However, depression or anxiety can also be a cause of increased memory loss. If your loved one seems unusually disoriented, confused, or is having difficulty making simple decisions, it could be because his or her mental or emotional health has changed.
Emotional and mental issues can have a significant impact on seniors’ overall health and wellbeing, so they should be addressed with compassion and empathy. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Arlington families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Call (703) 988-1800 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.
