What Harms Senior Mental Health?

When seniors struggle with mental health, they are more likely to isolate themselves, feel disconnected from their communities, and struggle with depression. Understanding what affects mental health for aging adults allows family caregivers to make suggestions that will actually help. Companion care at home can also help seniors experience better mental health, both by offering companionship and by making it easier to maintain mobility and independence.

Health Changes

There are so many different ways that seniors can experience health changes as they age in place. When the health changes are related to chronic health issues, they might be expected. But others, like unexpected weight changes or cognitive health trouble, may not be anticipated. Regardless, when seniors can no longer do the things they’ve enjoyed in the past, it greatly affects mental health.

Mobility Issues

When seniors have more trouble with mobility, they may start to realize it changes how they see themselves and how they experience the world around them. They may have more trouble doing the things they love doing, which directly impacts mental wellness. If seniors can find ways to work with their mobility concerns, they can still do many of the things that they used to do easily.

Trouble with Everyday Tasks

Seniors often don’t realize that they’re experiencing some changes until it’s suddenly more difficult to do things they’ve done easily for years, like cooking a meal or taking a shower. When these activities start to take a lot more energy than before or are difficult for other reasons, it takes a toll on their mental health. Assistance from home care providers can be a solid solution, especially if seniors are dealing with multiple issues.

Sleep Issues

Sleep greatly impacts both mood and mental health, along with other aspects of health and wellness. Trouble with sleep can show up in a variety of ways, like having trouble getting to sleep or having issues staying asleep. Sometimes seniors might even have a tough time waking up when they want. Solving underlying sleep issues can sometimes be enough to help related mental health troubles.

Lack of Social Interaction

When seniors don’t get the social interaction they need, their mental health often suffers significantly. Loneliness and social isolation are hurtful, and seniors who are battling these issues may experience anxiety disorders, depression, and increased trouble regulating their moods. Companion care at home is an easy answer because companion caregivers can spend as much or as little time with seniors as they would like. They can engage in different activities together, simply talk, or go places where seniors can meet with other people, too.

Mental health concerns can be caused by a variety of different possible issues. If seniors find that it’s too difficult on their own to manage these causes, they may also struggle to reach out to others who can help. Companion care at home can offer a way for seniors to start getting a handle on social concerns and look for other ways to create opportunities for better mental health.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Kannapolis, NC, contact the caring professionals at TenderHearted Home Care today. Call us at (704) 612-4132