According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), up to 25% of adults 65 and older have a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Others also deal with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, only half of these seniors receive treatment.
Older adults who live alone and experience loneliness and social isolation may be at a higher risk for senior behavioral health challenges and mental illness.
Fortunately, there are several ways to keep your older beloved family member’s mental and behavioral health in check. Join our team at Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe in Venice, FL, as we delve into elderly mental wellness strategies and care options so you can help your older loved one thrive in their golden years.
Know the Symptoms of Senior Behavioral Health Problems
Recognizing the signs of senior mental health and behavioral challenges is the first step to helping your loved one cope with their condition. Some of the most common indications to look out for include the following:
- Changes in behaviors and moods, such as frequent bouts of irritability, anger, and aggressiveness
- Engaging in high-risk activities
- Obsessive thinking
- Compulsive behavior
- Intentional self-neglect or unwillingness to care for themselves
If your older loved one exhibits any of the above, reach out to them, express your concern, and remind them that you love and care about them. Talking about getting professional mental health support for seniors is also a good idea.
For instance, suppose your loved one seems more irritable and angry and shows signs of self-neglect, such as weight loss (due to not eating well), dirty clothes, body odor, and a messy home. In this case, consider speaking to them about getting behavioral therapy for seniors. You can also offer to help connect them to a therapist or counselor.
Regularly Check in on Your Loved One
Senior behavioral and mental health concerns can stem from loneliness and social isolation. Both are common problems; according to an article on JAMA Network, a 2023 U.S. survey found that 37% of adults aged 50 to 80 reported feeling lonely, and 34% said they experienced social isolation.
If your loved one lives alone in their home in Venice, Florida, consider visiting them in person regularly, such as every weekend, even if it’s only for a few hours. Simple gestures like these can go a long way in reminding them that you love and care about them and are ready to provide support. Frequent visits also help them maintain social connections and can help reduce their risks of feeling lonely and isolated.
Moreover, in-person visits can help you spot signs of possible behavioral and mental health concerns, such as self-neglect. If you can’t see them in person, stay in touch with them through text messages, phone calls, or video calls.
Encourage Your Loved One to Join Senior Centers
According to the Florida Association of Senior Centers, about 400,000 older Floridians visit senior centers yearly. They help empower older adults and enrich their lives by giving them many opportunities to socialize, have fun, stay fit, and do something for the community. Here are some examples:
- Civic engagement and community volunteering opportunities
- Social and recreational activities
- Senior-centered health, fitness, and wellness programs
- Educational courses
- Intergenerational programs
In Venice, FL, Comforcare Senior Services is one of the senior centers you should encourage your older loved one to join. Senior Friendship Centers Inc. and Connections for Seniors are also excellent options.
Get Your Loved One a Pet
A pet can provide your older loved one with social and emotional support and encourage better behavior by increasing opportunities for physical activity. The American Heart Association also noted that, according to a survey, adults over 50 said they enjoy the following benefits of pet ownership:
- Experiencing Less stress
- Increased social connections
- Having a better sense of purpose
- Feeling loved
If your older loved one can still care for a pet, consider speaking to them about adopting one. Many animals need their forever homes and families, and shelters in Venice, FL, temporarily house and care for them lovingly. Bring your loved one to one or more of these shelters so they can find an adoptable pet they can share a positive, loving bond with:
- St. Francis Animal Rescue of Venice
- Suncoast Humane Society
- Vintage Paws Sanctuary
Talk to Your Loved One About Senior Living Communities
Do you worry about your loved one’s mental and behavioral health because they live alone? If so, it’s time to speak with them about transitioning to a senior living community in Venice, FL. Depending on their current health status, their choices include independent living, assisted living, or memory care.
Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe offers all three senior living options.
By joining our community, your loved one will have access to quality amenities and exclusive senior programs designed to foster optimal elderly health and wellness. Here’s a quick peek into what they can expect when they choose Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe:
- Pet therapies
- Arts and crafts, including painting, crocheting, knitting, and jewelry-making
- Exercise and fitness classes, such as water aerobics and chair yoga
- Movie nights and live musical entertainment
- Dance classes
- Educational programs
- Birthday and anniversary parties
- Games like bingo, mahjong, poker, and bridge
- Sporting events, including Wii Sports, chair volleyball, and ping-pong
- Nutritious, chef-cooked meals served in a social environment
You’ll also be happy to learn that Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe is pet-friendly. If your loved one decides to adopt a pet suitable for community living, we’ll gladly welcome their furry family member.
Help Your Loved One Combat Behavioral Health Challenges
Senior behavioral health concerns are treatable and preventable. As a loving family member, you should aim for the latter since prevention is always better than “cure.” Follow the tips we shared in this guide, as they can help you help your loved one enjoy better mental health.
If you and your older family member are ready to explore quality community living, we at Aston Gardens At Pelican Pointe in Venice, FL, look forward to meeting you.
Schedule your visit today, and we’ll happily take you on a tour of our warm, inviting, and pet-friendly senior living community!
