Challenges And Solutions In Supporting Elderly Family Members' Mental Health
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It’s thought that over 20% of adults over the age of 60 live with mental or neurological disorders. As loved ones age, many families may need to help them manage mental health concerns. While older adults typically have a higher risk of mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, they tend to be less likely to seek professional support.
With many older adults being central figures in families, such as parents or grandparents, family support can be a helpful part of maintaining mental health. Family members can provide emotional support and ensure that older adults have access to necessary mental health resources. They can also help with practical tasks, staying socially active, and seeking professional help when needed. However, caregiving can come with increased stress levels, and individuals offering support to older family members may benefit from seeking the guidance of a licensed mental health professional.
Mental health challenges older relatives and family members may face
Older adults might experience different mental health challenges due to various factors, including aging, social changes, and medical conditions. These mental health concerns can affect their quality of life and often require attention from family members and healthcare providers.
The severity of symptoms can vary among individuals. For example, mental health challenges may start with mild symptoms but can progress if left untreated. Therefore, detecting mental health difficulties early can be crucial.
Depression
Depression can be a common mental health disorder among older adults. This condition can involve persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a sense of hopelessness. It may be triggered by major life changes, such as retirement or the loss of a loved one. There can be several risk factors for depression in older adults, including chronic illness, physical disability, and social isolation. Symptoms may also include changes in appetite, sleep problems, and trouble focusing.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders can be another concern for the elderly. These disorders can include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. Anxiety may lead to excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms, like an increased heart rate. Risk factors for anxiety in older adults may include a history of trauma and chronic medical conditions.
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease, a type of dementia, typically affects memory and cognitive abilities. It usually progresses over time and often starts with mild memory loss, eventually leading to severe cognitive impairments. Patients may struggle with daily tasks, communication, and recognizing loved ones. Symptoms for which to watch include memory lapses, confusion about time or place, and changes in behavior.
Sleep disorders
Sleep disorders can be common among older adults and include insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. These disorders may cause poor sleep quality, which can negatively affect mental and physical health. Chronic sleep problems can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety. Symptoms of sleep disorders usually include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.
Grief and loss
Older adults often experience grief and loss, particularly due to the death of loved ones or significant life changes. This grief can lead to deep sadness, appetite changes, and difficulty sleeping. Long-term or complicated grief may turn into depression or anxiety. Family members may want to recognize the stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—although they may not always occur in this order.
Alcohol or substance use disorders
Alcohol or substance use disorders can greatly affect the mental and physical health of older adults. These disorders may stem from attempts to self-medicate for anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. Increased tolerance or dependence can develop and lead to health complications over time. Signs of alcohol or substance use disorders may include changes in behavior and neglect of responsibilities.
Family caregiver challenges in supporting elderly family members
Communication barriers with aging or older adults
When caregivers communicate with older family members, especially those with hearing loss or cognitive decline, problems may arise. Misunderstandings can cause frustration and stress. For example, older adults with dementia might find it hard to express their needs, which may lead to confusion. Using simple language, making eye contact, and using nonverbal cues may improve communication when it comes to caring for older family members.
Balancing work and family caregiver responsibilities
Family caregivers of older adults may have to balance their jobs with caregiving responsibilities, potentially leading to stress and time constraints. Managing both roles might also lead to burnout and decreased job performance. For example, caregivers may need to leave work early for medical appointments, causing them to lose productivity at work. Flexible work options or employer support programs for caregivers may offer some assistance in such circumstances.
Financial concerns when supporting elderly family members
Caring for an elderly family member can be financially draining due to medical expenses, long-term care, and the possible loss of income from reduced work hours. Many family caregivers cover healthcare expenses without reimbursement. This financial strain can be overwhelming, leaving little room for other expenses. Seeking government aid or planning for long-term care insurance are potential ways to reduce these financial difficulties.
Managing relationship strains in long term care decisions
Family caregiving can strain relationships, particularly when multiple members are involved in decision-making. Disagreements about care routines or finances can lead to tension. For instance, siblings may disagree on primary caregiving roles. Openly communicating with one another may help manage these conflicts and ensure everyone's opinions are heard.
Ways for caregivers to support and provide long term care for older adults
Supporting elderly family members can involve different strategies to help them maintain their mental health and overall quality of life. Family members can assist by helping with daily tasks, monitoring health, and providing emotional support, among other strategies.
Home care: Assist with daily tasks
Helping with daily tasks may reduce stress for older adults and their caregivers. These tasks may include cooking, cleaning, shopping, and managing medications. Assistance with these tasks may help older family members maintain their independence in a safe way.
Family members can create a schedule to share these responsibilities or hire professional caregivers. Simple gestures, like organizing the home to reduce fall risks or setting up medication reminders, may protect physical health and provide a sense of security.
Monitor health
Regularly monitoring health might involve keeping track of medical appointments, medications, and any changes in physical or mental health. Detecting health problems early may improve the chances of better treatment outcomes.
Family members can use tools like health apps or written schedules to stay organized. You may want to have regular conversations about health and attend medical appointments together to ensure that health concerns are promptly addressed.
Family caregivers can provide emotional support during difficult times
Emotional support can be key, especially during challenging periods. This type of support might include actively listening and being available to discuss feelings and concerns. Emotional support may help manage loneliness and improve mental health.
Family members can organize regular visits or virtual check-ins, participate in hobbies together, or join support groups. These activities may create opportunities for meaningful interactions and reinforce the family member's sense of belonging and emotional well-being.
Help with decision-making
Older adults with mental health challenges may also need help with decision-making, especially regarding healthcare, financial support, and long-term care. Offering help may ensure that these decisions are made in the best interest of your loved one’s health.
Family members can discuss and provide clarity on various options. Seeking support services from professionals like lawyers or financial advisors can also help. That way, older adults can make appropriate decisions and remain involved in their own lives.
These are a few ways to offer direct support to an older family member living with a mental illness. It can be best to have an open conversation with them to find out exactly what kind of support might benefit them.
Find support online for family-related stress
Older adults and family caregivers may experience increased stress and mental health challenges. Platforms like BetterHelp can connect users with licensed therapists, making professional help accessible from the comfort of home. This can be particularly useful for those who may struggle with transportation or prefer the convenience of at-home counseling sessions.
Benefits of online therapy for aging and home care
For elderly family members experiencing mental health challenges, such as dementia and depression, online therapy may offer several benefits. A 2021 study found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression in older adults. This type of therapy typically provides structured sessions focused on changing negative thought patterns and teaching coping skills that may be especially helpful for elderly patients.
Takeaway
How do you support aging parents?
There are several practical ways you can support your aging parents as an adult child. Some examples include:
- Regularly spending time with your parents, whether through daily check-ins or weekly catch-ups
- Helping your parents with daily living by providing home-delivered meals, driving them to important appointments, or helping them perform activities like cleaning and doing laundry
- Having proactive conversations with your parents about their plans for longer-term care
- Encouraging your parents to pursue constructive hobbies and connect with others in their community
- Helping your parents navigate benefits like Medicare and Social Security by checking eligibility requirements, assisting with applications, or advocating for them to a case manager (if needed)
- Connecting your parents with meetup groups, book clubs, or other local programs so they can socialize with others
Why is family support important for the elderly?
As people get older, their risk of mental and physical health challenges, such as Alzheimer’s, depression, and substance use disorders, tends to increase. Elderly people who receive support from their family members or friends may be able to stay independent longer and better maintain their physical and mental wellness. Having loved ones to spend time with can also be a source of social interaction, which may reduce the risk of dementia and related disorders.
Is it my responsibility to take care of my parents?
On a legal level, 30 U.S. states, such as Kentucky, California, and North Carolina, have “filial responsibility laws.” Sometimes called “duty of care laws,” these laws require adult children to take care of their elderly parents if they don’t have the resources to care for themselves.
On a personal level, the responsibility for caring for aging parents can be complex. Some people may not be able to provide care to their parents due to work responsibilities, other family obligations, or a lack of paid family leave. Others may not have a healthy relationship with their parents and may choose not to take on that responsibility in the interest of their own safety or mental health. Beyond legal obligations, the decision to care for your parents can be highly personal, and there may not be a universal “correct” choice.
What is the responsibility of the family for the care of the elderly?
Caring for the elderly can involve different responsibilities depending on the individual family, culture, comfort level, and personal preferences. Typical elder affairs responsibilities may include:
- Helping them make arrangements for their care as they age
- Providing companionship and social interaction
- Assisting with their day-to-day routines
- Helping them manage their medical affairs, such as medications and doctors’ appointments
- Helping them manage their financial affairs, such as their retirement funds, budgets, and insurance benefits
- Adapting their living situation to keep up with their evolving medical and physical needs
- Being available for immediate help in case of emergencies
What is a famous quote about caring for the elderly?
The following famous quote about caring for the elderly is attributed to Tia Walker: “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.”
How do you make an elderly parent happy?
While different people may have different preferences, you may be able to support your elderly parents’ happiness by:
- Showing them emotional support when they need it
- Frequently expressing your love and appreciation for them and the role they’ve played in your life
- Listening to them—and giving them your full attention—when they want to talk to you
- Asking them questions about their lives and memories
- Helping them connect with others through hobbies, interest groups, and community events
- Supporting their physical health
- Taking them out for walks, meals, religious events, or other outings
- Having engaging conversations about books you’ve read, movies you’ve watched, or current events
- Respecting their independence as much as possible
- Asking them how you can best support them, and revisiting that conversation from time to time as circumstances change
How do you deal with needy elderly parents?
If you’re struggling to manage the needs of elderly parents, you may want to try seeking outside help. Consider checking local area agencies for home health aides or researching respite care programs, which are designed to give you a temporary break from caregiving. Other resources, like the nonprofit Family Caregiver Alliance and Caregiver Action Network, aim to provide further support and education to family caregivers. If you are feeling overwhelmed as a caregiver, you may also be eligible to receive low-cost mental health support through local mental health centers, which can be found in many communities.
How do you know when your elderly parents need help?
Elderly parents may not always be open about wanting or needing help in their daily lives. That said, you may still be able to help when they need it by watching for signs like:
- Weight loss, falls, difficulty moving around the house, or unexplained injuries
- A loss of interest in previous hobbies and relationships
- Changes in sleeping, eating, or bathing patterns
- Forgetfulness, mood swings, or trouble making basic decisions
- Trouble with basic tasks like cooking healthy meals, doing laundry, or keeping the house clean
- Trouble keeping up with doctors’ appointments, taking medications, and managing other health-related tasks
- Increasing use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances
- Decreasing socialization with others
While these changes may not always be a cause for concern, they may be worth looking into further to make sure your loved one has the support they need.
What kind of support would an elderly person require?
Typically, caregivers care for elderly people in the following ways:
- Assistance with daily activities: Caregivers may provide transportation services and assistance with other daily living activities, such as hygiene, cleaning, and meal preparation.
- Healthcare support: Caregivers may also support an elderly person’s medical needs by driving them to doctors’ appointments, helping them manage their medications, and making sure any health concerns are brought up with a healthcare provider.
- Financial planning: A care recipient may also require outside support with their finances. This might include help with insurance, paying bills, creating a flexible budget, or navigating government programs like Medicare or veterans’ benefits.
- Legal assistance: A caregiver might also help people navigate issues with wills, estate planning, power of attorney, and other legal matters.
Keep in mind that elderly people may require different types of support depending on their age and other factors, which is why caregiving situations can vary. Some people may only need basic caregiver support, while others might require more intense personal care services from a home health aide or another paid caregiver. Those who can no longer live on their own might also move in with loved ones or transition to a nursing home or adult day care facility.
When can you no longer care for an elderly parent?
Sometimes, family caregivers can no longer look after their parents due to outside factors or their own physical and mental health situations. Family caregiving can be challenging, especially for long-distance caregivers, who may face difficulties like chronic stress, depression, and anxiety. These challenges can contribute to other physical and mental health concerns over time, which is why some people may choose to transition away from being their parents’ primary caregivers. Other caregivers may struggle to balance the demands of caregiving with working and raising their own families. Individual circumstances can vary, but in any case, if you notice that your mental or physical health is being negatively affected by caregiving, you may want to explore other options.
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