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Mental Illness & the Elderly
NBC Newschannel
February 9, 2005
by Jim Laurie
The older we get, the higher the risk of developing a mental illness. Most would contribute this to old age, but doctors say it isn't always incurable. Jeremy Couch takes a look at what you can do for seniors who may need special care.
Most would say getting old is not easy. It's probably one of the toughest challenges you and your family will face - forgetting little things, increasing physical problems, and most of all, not being able to do day-to-day activities.
Nurse Practitioner Randy Vawdrey says when this begins, often a bigger problem is right around the corner.
"Depression is probably one of the most under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-recognized illness in the elderly."
As someone who treats elderly people with mental conditions, Vawdrey says the most important thing loved ones can do is stick to a daily routine.
"With mental illness, one of the key goals is trying to keep people healthy enough that they can stay out of the hospital towards the end of their life.
Oftentimes that's not possible and they require a little bit more nursing care on a daily basis."
But don't just attribute new problems to old age. Kevin Shipley, director of nursing at Beacon Hospital, says you may be ignoring something that can be treated.
"If the altered mental state is caused by a pharmacological or physical reason, you can often clear it completely by making sure their health is in tip-top shape."
Shipley says if you have consulted with a doctor and the condition can't be reversed, trying to handle the care-giving on your own can often be a disservice to your loved one. It may be time to contact home health or assisted living providers.
Doctors say the key is consulting with your primary care physician and remembering the best care may not come from you and your family.
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