Age has its ravages. We talk about arthritis, loss of hearing, and heart disease, just to name a few. However, retirees can have another vulnerability that you can’t always see: Mental health. As people become less able to take care of daily needs, it has a strong impact on how they feel. In-home care services in Philadelphia, PA, like those we offer at Aurora at Home, are working harder to address the issues of declining mental health among its clients.
Mental health awareness is vital for caregivers. The way a person thinks and the way they view the world can impact their physical conditions and family relationships. Depression is a very real threat for the elderly, as is anxiety. But because people don’t know how to talk about it, mental health struggles may go unnoticed until something BIG happens.
Defining Mental Health
Mental Health impacts a person’s social, emotional, and psychological wellness. It impacts how an individual feels and acts, particularly during times of stress. The National Institute of Mental Health says 20% (1-in-5) of the adult population live with mental illnesses such as
- Anorexia
- Bipolar disorder
- Borderline personality
- Panic disorders
- Phobias
- PTSD
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Suicidal behavior
Warning Signs of Mental Health Problems
A person with mental health problems may not even realize the situation themselves. People go on for years without help, and the way in which they represent the problem grows. So what are some of the early warning symptoms for mental health for which our Aurora caregivers watch?
- Angry outbursts
- Energy: very low, ; there’s no liveliness or stamina
- Fear
- Forgetfulness
- Mood swings (usually very quickly)
- Overindulgence: food, smoking, drug use, and drinking
- Retreating: from favorite pastimes and people
- Sleeping: too much or too little
- Worries: more than necessary
- Utterances: “Nothing matters,” “I give up,” or “I really don’t care anymore.”
Education & Recognition
May is Mental Awareness Month. It affords a wonderful opportunity to learn about the signs of struggle in your loved ones. The more you know and the more information you share with others, the less stigma swirls around mental health. That stigma is one of the main reasons people suffer in silence.
Aurora home care in Philadelphia, PA, recognizes the struggles families face, so our caregivers receive ongoing information they can apply in the field. For example, there are ways to decrease anxiety so it doesn’t interfere with socialization and daily activities. The goal is to get seniors back to a fulfilling life with happiness and dignity.
Aurora at Home: Supporting Mental Health Awareness in Home Care Philadelphia, PA
Repeatedly studies show how home care services help seniors. Our services provide support and companionship. In turn, people feel more positive and become more involved in their personal advocacy.
No one wants to feel as if they’ve lost their independence. Such thoughts batter emotional stability. In-home aides aren’t just there for physical limitations. Our individualized care plans include substantive support for mental health and well-being.
If you’d like to learn more about having in-home services, you can use our contact line. Or call any one of our three offices:
Feasterville, PA 215-354-4444
Wyomissing, PA 610-357-1800
Lancaster, PA 717-200-1414
