Seniors encounter many challenges, from loneliness and loss to managing chronic illnesses. Substance use issues may complicate the problem. Geriatric mental health concerns can play a significant role in an aging adult’s overall health and well-being.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health problem, and 50% have more than one. It also points out that depression is more common in people with serious illnesses, chronic health conditions or decreased functionality.
Despite the relatively widespread occurrence of depression in older adults, seniors are frequently misdiagnosed and undertreated for geriatric mental health issues. According to the National Council on Aging, fewer than half of older adults with mental health and/or substance use disorders receive treatment.
Keep reading to learn about the unique mental health needs of seniors and the stigma and barriers to care they often face.
Understanding the Challenges Older Adults Face in Mental Health Care
Geriatric mental health issues are often overlooked when health care providers mistake symptoms as part of the aging process. Although depression is common among seniors, clinical depression isn’t normally part of aging. Other challenges older adults may face in their mental health care include:
- Complex medical comorbidities. Multiple chronic medical conditions in older adults can make managing mental health disorders more challenging. These conditions can also increase the risk of adverse interactions with medications.
- Cognition changes. Age-related changes in cognition or sensory perception can complicate the mental health assessment and diagnosis process.
- Underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Physical health issues and aging can mask the symptoms of mental health conditions in seniors. Geriatric mental health disorders may be underdiagnosed or completely misdiagnosed when symptoms are blamed on something else.
- Isolation and loneliness. Retiring, losing loved ones and social isolation can all contribute to feelings of grief and loneliness in older adults. These feelings can lead to depression and/or anxiety or make existing mental health issues worse.
- Substance use disorders. Aging could increase an older adult’s vulnerability to substance misuse.
- The Institute on Drug Abuse states that alcohol is the most used drug among older adults, with 65% of individuals aged 65 and older reporting high-risk drinking.
- Chronic illness often leads to increased use of prescription medications. Some of these drugs may be addictive.
- Accidental misuse of opioids prescribed for chronic pain or benzodiazepines for anxiety can lead to suicidal thoughts.
- Substance use disorders can put seniors at higher risk for various health problems, including memory loss and mood disorders that worsen mental health issues.
By recognizing and addressing these and other unique challenges, mental health care providers can ensure geriatric mental health care is accessible, comprehensive and customized to the specific needs of older adults.
Tailoring Mental Health Treatments to Meet Seniors’ Needs
Tailoring elderly mental health care and senior substance abuse treatment requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique factors impacting older adults’ well-being. Some essential factors in adjusting geriatric mental health treatments include:
- Acknowledgment among health care providers of aging-related physiological changes, such as decreased metabolism of medications and a higher susceptibility to side effects
- Appropriate adjustment in communication methods and treatment styles due to cognitive decline and sensory impairments
- Addressing common social elements, such as social support networks, access to transportation and housing stability, which may impact effective interventions
- Integration of comprehensive substance use disorder assessments into routine geriatric evaluations to ensure timely identification and intervention
- Recognition of the unique challenges older adults face in accessing and engaging with geriatric mental health services
By adopting a person-centered approach that considers the multifaceted needs of older adults, providers can tailor mental health treatments. Meeting seniors’ mental health needs promotes optimal well-being and enhances quality of life.
Addressing Stigma and Barriers to Geriatric Mental Health Care
The stigma surrounding mental illness is one of the main barriers preventing seniors from seeking older adult therapy services. This stigma can also keep them from even discussing their mental health concerns openly with friends or family.
Persistent embarrassment and worry about what others might think can become a significant barrier. Other obstacles to getting needed mental health care for seniors include:
- Transportation issues or financial constraints
- Lack of awareness about available services
- Societal attitudes and misconceptions surrounding mental illness in older adults
- Lack of specialized counseling approaches, such as reminiscence therapy
- Limited accessibility to culturally sensitive mental health services
- Access to providers impeded by location, such as living in a rural or underserved community
- Unfamiliarity with symptoms that indicate a mental health issue
- Mobility issues that make it difficult to make it to mental health appointments
- Fear of institutionalization or loss of independence
Medication is one of the most common forms of mental health treatment, including in older adults. However, the cognitive decline that often increases with age may make it harder for seniors to remember to take these medications. The inability to stick to a medication routine can become another obstacle to meeting seniors’ mental health needs.
Addressing these and other barriers to geriatric mental health care is crucial to helping ensure access to the support seniors need. Actively combating the stigma surrounding mental health services is also necessary to normalize this care. Providers can play a pivotal role by promoting awareness and offering affordable mental health services adapted to the unique needs of seniors.
Prioritizing Geriatric Mental Health
As the nation’s aging population continues to grow, ensuring seniors have the mental health services they need is critical. Serious geriatric mental health issues can worsen chronic health conditions, reduce life expectancy and increase the likelihood of nursing home or long-term care facility admittance.
If you’re unsure where to go for help, contact FHE Health to speak to one of our compassionate counselors at any time. We can help guide you to integrated care and geriatric mental health sources you can trust so you or an older loved one can get the support needed to thrive.
