6 Ways Caregivers Can Support the Mental Health of Older Adults

As populations around the world age and society shift in demographics, the importance of getting good care for the elderly is as important as it ever will be. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 14% of those over 60 suffer from a mental disorder, and many others may well deal with loneliness, depression, or isolation. 

This makes it crucial to equip healthcare workers with a few key skills that can make all the difference; whether they are nurses, inpatient caregivers, or local volunteers, the benefits of good mental health understanding and support are exponential. 

Promote Social Connections 

As we get older and the social sphere starts to change, it may get harder for older people to see friends as often because of distance; others may move into homes or closer to family, and energy levels can decline. All these factors can lead to social isolation, but don't need to. It is always possible to surround yourself with good people, whether that means a new care home, long-distance friendships, or social activities promoted by one of the many charities across the states dedicated to supporting seniors. 

When people have a good support network, the literature shows higher levels of resilience to mental health issues and an improved outlook for those struggling. Aside from having people to support you, the improved outlook is attributed to early detection and diagnosis; if you are surrounded by people who care, they will notice when something is not quite right. 

Manage Stress Effectively

Some say that stress is the biggest killer. Unfortunalty, stress is a difficult thing to measure directly and can slip under the radar. Luckily, you don't need to measure it to help someone who is struggling. 

Stress can be particularly challenging for older adults, as they may face some unique stressors that younger people do not. These stressors can include declining health, financial concerns, or the loss of loved ones. 

To manage stress effectively, caregivers can introduce a few key relaxation techniques that seniors enjoy, and research has shown derive great benefit from them. These can be very simple acts of meditation like gardening, walking, and spending time in nature, or more organized activities or workshops like deep breathing sessions, gentle yoga, or guided meditation. 

For seniors in the USA, the transition to retirement, changes in living arrangements, or the adjustment to assisted living can contribute to heightened stress levels. As a caregiver, it’s essential to recognize the signs of stress in older adults, which often may manifest as irritability, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, self-isolation, or withdrawal from social activities. Learning how to spot the warning signs is a key skill taught in a range of mental health training programs and courses like a Masters of Mental Health Counseling online because it makes such a difference if you can detect and treat early on. 

Encourage Physical Activity

As people age, maintaining a good level of physical activity is crucial for both mental and physical health. Regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults by releasing endorphins and improving sleep patterns. 

If the people you care for have health concerns, then simple activities such as walking, stretching, or light strength training can still have a great impact. For those with limited mobility, even chair exercises or short daily walks to get fresh air and sunlight can be incredibly beneficial. Caregivers should encourage consistent physical activity at whatever level the individual is capable of, ensuring it’s safe and enjoyable. Studies have shown that staying active can even decrease instances of dementia by maintaining cognitive function and avoiding depression, as well as improving mood, maintaining cognitive function, and enhancing their overall quality of life.

Encourage Cognitive Activities

Encouraging cognitive activities really helps seniors maintain their mental sharpness and prevent cognitive decline. As people age, caregivers can easily engage them with activities like puzzles, reading, or learning new skills that can help keep their brains active and healthy. 

Incorporating technology, such as simple online scrabble games such as Wordle or traditional crossword puzzles and memory games, can stimulate cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia-related symptoms. 

 Caregivers should incorporate these activities into the daily routine of the seniors they care for, making sure to keep the individual interested in new games if they lose interest. For even better results, pair cognitive games with social activity by encouraging two or more player activities like chess or mahjong. 

Seek Professional Support When Needed

Getting good quality support for those under your care seems obvious, but getting expert care can be a real challenge; average wait times to see some specialists can be over a month, and the US consistently ranks poorly when it comes to medical care for the elderly compared to other first world countries. 

These factors mean caregivers will often have to advocate strongly for their client's needs, especially when it comes to mental health concerns. If you suspect any form of psychiatric disorder or start seeing the telltale signs of dementia, do not hesitate to connect with psychologists or psychiatrists where available.    

Foster a Positive Environment

One of the most impactful things you can do is smile. Showing up to work with a smile, friendly attitude, and hopeful outlook can make more of a difference than many antidepressants because it is contagious. 

It’s not always an easy job, but there are a few key things you can do to stay positive. Like any job, having confidence in yourself and your ability is critical–if you know and believe you can do it, you likely can. At the same time, acknowledge your limitations as a care worker and look after your own health just as much as that of others. Communicate with other caregivers if you are overwhelmed or out of your depth, and likewise, look after your colleagues where possible. 

At the end of the day, you have to be content in yourself to smile all day, and to be content, self-care is really important.