Strategies for Managing Elderly Relatives Suffering from Mental Health Issues

Caring for an aged relative or friend can be a challenging task, even more so when mental health issues or cognitive decline are involved. From depression and bipolar disorder to dementia and memory loss, these conditions significantly impact the well-being of the care recipient and the caregiver alike.

Managing the mental health of the person you're caring for, as well as your own, is crucial for the health and strength of your relationship. To navigate this complex landscape effectively, we've compiled advice from industry experts.

The Impact on Older Adults

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and above suffer from a mental health condition, while more than 55 million individuals worldwide deal with some form of dementia. Among the most common concerns for specialists like Dr. William Solan, director of geriatric psychiatry at the UW Medicine Center for Behavioral Health and Learning, are dementia, delirium, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

In later adulthood, there is often a heightened risk of loneliness, a time when people contemplate the meaning of their lives. Dr. Stephen Thielke, a geriatric psychiatrist at the center, refers to psychologist Erik Erikson's development model, explaining the stage as 'integrity versus despair.' During this phase, individuals reflect on the value and impact of their lives, which can exacerbate feelings of loneliness, lending to anxiety or depression in some cases.

Seeking Help

Given the myriad challenges that may arise, it's essential to be aware of available support. Whether your loved one lives with you, independently, or requires a more supportive living situation, seeking help is paramount.

For individuals managing their mental health condition, outpatient therapy can reduce feelings of isolation, connect them with the community, and empower them to openly express their emotions. Intensive outpatient programs, such as the one headed by UW Medicine psychologist Koriann Cox, provide therapy, coping skills classes, and medication management.

In more severe cases, hospitalization might be necessary. For those living in the Seattle area, UW Medicine's Center for Behavioral Health and Learning offers inpatient care for geriatric patients. The center's staff, well-versed in the needs of older adults, works diligently to address underlying issues and support patients in returning home.

Assisted living or nursing homes can also be beneficial, offering round-the-clock care from trained professionals. In cases where families prefer to keep their loved ones at home, care facilities can provide support and guidance on caregiving techniques.

Support for Caregivers

As a caregiver, it is essential to prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Dr. Thielke warns against neglecting self-care, stating that "If you're neglecting your own mental or physical well-being, you should be looking for ways of getting help."

Learning your loved one's wishes: Communicate with your loved one to determine their preferences regarding medical treatments, living arrangements, and end-of-life matters. Creating advance directives, living wills, and powers of attorney can prevent misunderstandings and ensure the best possible care.
Shifting perceptions: Recognize that you cannot control another person's behavior, and refrain from taking it personally. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of the relationship and the actions you can take to support your loved one's well-being.
Finding support: Whether through friends, therapists, or support groups, having a network of people to lean on during challenging times is essential. Online resources and programs are also available for caregivers seeking guidance from the comfort of their homes.

Mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) practices, self-care activities, and education and training are additional strategies that can help caregivers navigate their roles more effectively. By utilizing these approaches and resources, caregivers can better support the emotional and mental health of their loved ones while maintaining their personal well-being.

The World Health Organization reports that about 14% of adults aged 60 and above struggle with a mental health condition, while over 55 million individuals worldwide face issues like dementia.
Managing the mental health of the person you're caring for, as well as your own, is crucial for maintaining a strong relationship and promoting overall well-being.
Seeking help from industry experts and available resources is essential when navigating the complexities of caring for a loved one who may be dealing with mental health issues or cognitive decline.
In addition to seeking help, caregivers must prioritize their own mental and physical well-being to effectively support their loved ones, as neglecting self-care can lead to feelings of despair.
Effective strategies for caregivers include learning their loved one's wishes, shifting perceptions, finding support, and incorporating mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy practices, self-care activities, and education and training into their routines to better manage their roles.