What Is It?
Studies have shown that an estimated 20% of people age 55 and older have some type of mental health concern, and the most common mental health conditions include anxiety, severe cognitive (thinking) impairment and mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder. It is important to know that these mental health conditions are not a normal part of growing older. While many older adults are less likely to talk about symptoms of a psychiatric disorder, they will typically point out physical ailments. In addition, behavior changes often come with these disorders, which can make it difficult to create a safe and fulfilling environment for these persons at home. These mental health conditions also can lead to impaired physical and social functioning, and some people also have chronic disease or a new problem such as a recent hip fracture.
How We Treat It
Aegis Therapies and Salude collaborate with physicians, patients, families, caregivers and facility staff to:
- Understand the root cause of behavior issues and develop a plan to reduce the number of behavior problems that occur each day.
- Use the Allen Cognitive Disability Model to determine meaningful activities that are appropriate for the person’s cognitive level
- Recommend the safest living environment along with the level of supervision and assistance that will be needed
- Explain strategies for successful interactions that lead to improved quality of life
- Identify conditions other than the mental health disorder that need to be addressed through physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech-language pathology services
What You Can Expect
Through this approach, persons with mental health conditions can participate in their daily care, engage in meaningful activities, and reduce their agitation and behavior problems. While the mental health disorder itself may not go away, the disability that comes with it can be lessened.
