Warning Signs for Mental Illness in Seniors
By Jeremy Grant
Depression, bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s, and schizophrenia – what do these mental illnesses have in common? They affect senior citizens at alarming rates. According to the Alzheimer's Association 747,000 Canadians are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, and the figure is expected to keep growing. While these illnesses happen when we least expect them to, it is possible to notice the subtle signs that your senior may have a mental illness. A home health care professional can be your eyes and ears to ensuring that your beloved parent gets the assistance they need early.
4 Signs Your Senior May be Suffering from a Mental Illness
Not everything can be assigned to growing old. Some ‘old age’ issues are signs of mental illness, such as:
- Serious Memory Loss: Has Mom misplaced her keys for the fifth time this month? Did Dad repeat himself for the seventh time in one conversation? Your parent may be just ‘growing old,’ or they may be suffering from symptoms of something worse, such as dementia. Take these times of memory loss seriously and keep an eye on them.
- Change in Hygiene Routine: Maybe you remember your mother always being put together with matching clothes, make-up, and beautifully styled hair, but now something is different. She doesn’t look as well-groomed as usual, and it appears she may have missed taking a shower. Sometimes, these changes indicate your loved one is not feeling well. Other times, it might mean something bigger is happening to them.
- Withdrawal from Socializing: Is the highlight of Dad’s week heading down to the park to play chess with his buddies? Has he stopped doing that? Have you noticed that Mom doesn’t want to visit her place of worship anymore? When a loved one pulls themselves away from those activities they love, it is a warning sign to be aware of.
- Mood Changes: Another symptom or sign of possible mental illness is changes in moods. For instance, your dad may have always been a mild-mannered man, but now, he yells and gets angry over minor issues. You might notice that your elderly aunt has grown highly anxious about things or is frequently very confused. If these mood changes last for more than two weeks, you may want to consult your senior loved one’s doctor.
Stay on Top of Signs of Mental Illness with Help from Home Instead
Know the early signs of mental illness to be able to help your aging loved one. When you cannot be onsite 24/7, you can depend on the services of Home Instead Etobicoke / North York. Our well-trained and caring team provide the support you need to ensure your parent is taken care of. We create a tailored service plan to meet your requirements. Look to us for Alzheimer’s care, companionship care, respite care, light housekeeping, and more. We believe seniors and their families deserve to age in place comfortably and safely. Contact us to find out more about us and how we can help you.
Call us at (416) 239-2200 to schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation. Learn more about the compassionate, quality senior care we deliver, every day, to families in All Etobicoke including: Kingsway, Mimico, Long Branch, Islington, Richview, The Community of Humber Heights, Rexdale, Markland Woods North York West including: Willowdale, Rexdale, Downsview, Humberwood, Weston, York University Heights, Humber Summit and areas in between.