Mental Health Care of Older Adults

Mental health care during older adulthood, or the time from 65 years of age until death, is focused on helping patients adapt to age-related changes.

As the nurse, you’ll monitor your older adult patient’s mental health and collaborate with the registered nurse to intervene as needed.

One of the most common experiences that impacts the mental health of the aging population is loss, which can take on various forms at this stage of life.

One of the most significant ways losses can occur is through the death of lifelong partners or friends. Also, retirement can mean there are fewer opportunities to socialize with colleagues and often leads to a loss of income.

Other forms of loss include changes in physical function, such as decreased stamina and impaired mobility, vision, or hearing, which can impact their ability to function independently.

Some individuals can adapt to the changes that come with loss, while others who are not able to cope effectively can become withdrawn and socially isolated.

Another problem that impacts the mental health of older adults is elder abuse. This is when an older adult is taken advantage of in various ways, including physical harm, sexual abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

Older adults are more vulnerable to abuse when they’re lonely, lack social support, or have impaired physical or mental health where they depend on others for their daily care.

Abusers can be caregivers, like health care workers, friends, or even family members. An older adult experiencing elder abuse may be fearful or have depressive symptoms.

Poor personal hygiene, unexplained injuries, or sexually transmitted infections may also be present. Now, depression is not a normal part of aging, but it’s the most common health disorder in older adults.

Depression can occur late in life, or it could be a continuation of a preexisting problem that developed earlier in life.

In older adults, depression is more likely to occur if they are lonely or socially isolated, or if an illness or loss of function prevents them from engaging in activities of daily living.

Diagnosis of depression in older adults can be challenging, and it's often unrecognized and undertreated. It often presents with vague symptoms like trouble sleeping; gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, nausea, and lack of appetite; or cognitive deficits like memory loss and slowing of cognitive function that is sometimes confused with dementia.

Other signs of depression include lack of interest in hobbies, poor grooming, and even thoughts of death or suicide. So, as the nurse caring for an older adult, you’ll monitor your patient’s mental health and intervene as needed.

First, you’ll collect information about the safety and adequacy of their living environment. Then, you’ll determine if they’re experiencing changes in their social, emotional, behavioral, or physical functioning that impact their ability to function and perform activities of daily living, or ADLs, like feeding, dressing, and bathing, as well as instrumental activities of daily living, or IADLs, such as grocery shopping and paying bills.

Also closely observe for signs and symptoms of elder abuse or depression, especially thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and collaborate with the registered nurse and social worker for referral to resources like support groups and counseling, as indicated.

Finally, when interacting with your patient, use therapeutic communication techniques by encouraging them to talk about their needs and express their feelings.

Remember to always convey respect and interest in what they are saying by facing them and listening carefully while they speak, and, when responding, talking slowly and clearly.

Alright, as a quick recap…Mental health care during older adulthood, or the time from 65 years of age until death, is focused on helping patients adapt to age-related changes.

As the nurse, you’ll monitor your older adult patient’s mental health and collaborate with the registered nurse to intervene as needed.