Senior Mental Health Services: What Older Adults Should Know
According to the WHO, around 14% of adults over 60 live with a mental disorder. This may not seem like a very high number, but mental health is just as vital as our physical health, especially in our senior years.
Mental wellness in aging may deteriorate due to unique emotional and psychological challenges, such as grief, isolation, or chronic illness. As a result, this can impact your overall well-being.
There are options though, and you can seek out senior mental health services in Broken Arrow, OK. This article will show you what's available, as well as the benefits of seeking support.
Types of Senior Mental Health Services
Mental health is essential for maintaining independence, as well as your quality of life and physical health. Common mental health concerns for seniors include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive impairments
- Grief and loss
- Loneliness and isolation
- Substance misuse
Identifying these issues is only one part of the journey though. Knowing which type of mental health service to seek out is the other. Here are the ones available to you regarding Broken Arrow aging support.
Geriatric Psychiatry
Geriatric psychiatry is actually one of the newest specialties in American medicine, as the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry (AAGP) was only founded in 1978. This field specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults.
With this type of mental health service, you'll get an accurate diagnosis of complex issues, as well as medication management tailored to your needs. They can also treat you for coexisting medical conditions and mental illness.
Counseling and Psychotherapy
Counseling and psychotherapy are also known as talk therapy. As the name suggests, you'll talk with a licensed therapist, social worker, or psychologist to cope with life changes, grief, trauma, or chronic stress through behavioral support. The types of therapy available to you here are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Supportive therapy
- Group therapy for seniors
You and your therapist will work through your issues to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. They'll teach you tools and give you senior counseling resources to manage stress and build resilience, which can help enhance your self-esteem and coping skills.
Support Groups
Support groups can be either peer-led or professionally facilitated. Either way, you'll get a safe space to share experiences related to:
- Bereavement
- Chronic illness
- Caregiving
- Living with a mental health condition
These sessions allow you to build social connections and get emotional support. You can also offer your own practical advice and wisdom.
Memory Care Services
Memory care services are for seniors who have Alzheimer's or dementia and can no longer reside in independent living. These specialized programs focus on cognitive care, and they're offered in a variety of settings, such as memory care communities and home-based care.
With memory care services, you'll get structured activities to stimulate memory and cognition. The trained staff will help manage behavior and safety, meaning they'll offer support for family caregivers too.
Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health Programs
Some hospitals and clinics may offer inpatient programs for crisis intervention or severe mental illness. Otherwise, they may have outpatient programs that include:
- Therapy
- Medical monitoring
- Education
You'll benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, receiving support from a team of professionals such as a psychiatrist, therapist, nurse, and social worker. Those with severe conditions can get intensive treatment. And with step-down care, you can have an easier transition back to daily life.
Telehealth for Mental Health
Just because you're homebound or in a rural area doesn't necessarily mean you won't get access to mental health services. Telehealth is available, making it much easier to access care!
This is very convenient because you won't have to arrange for transportation. And not only will you have access to a wider pool of specialists, but you'll have more privacy as well.
Community and Faith-Based Programs
You may be surprised, but community and faith-based programs can do wonders for your mental health. You may already have faith-based activities at your senior living community, but if you'd like more, it's always good to look outside of your community.
Local churches and nonprofit organizations may offer:
- Social gatherings
- Wellness workshops
- Informal counseling or pastoral support
These sessions are often low-cost or free, and they give you opportunities for connection and community.
Benefits of Mental Health Services for Older Adults
You've now learned about the various senior mental health services that are available. But maybe you're still hesitant about using them.
We're here to say that you'll do a huge favor for yourself if you do. Some of the benefits you can enjoy include:
- Improved mood
- Better management of chronic conditions
- Reduced risk of cognitive decline
- Enhanced relationships and social engagement
- Greater independence and safety
- Increased longevity and better quality of life
How to Access Mental Health Services
If you don't know where to start, then first speak with your primary care provider. They can perform an initial screening and then refer you to mental health professionals and coordinate care with specialists.
Once you have a referral, use Medicare and other insurance benefits. Always verify which providers are in-network and which services are covered under your plan to avoid any surprises.
If you're a veteran, then speak with the VA Health Administration. They offer geriatric-specific care and crisis services.
Lastly, if you're in a senior living community, take advantage of their resources. They often have partnerships with providers.
Take Care of Your Emotional Health
Mental wellness isn't optional, especially as you get older. It's a necessity if you want to lead a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.
So if you're struggling, then seek out the right senior mental health services. These can help you face life's transitions with strength, dignity, and support.
The first step is knowing the available resources, and you've already completed it. It's now up to you to take the next step toward healing and improved overall well-being.
Want to learn more about senior living in Broken Arrow, OK? Then get in touch with us now. Morada Broken Arrow has senior-focused exclusive lifestyle programs that enrich our residents' lives.