Mental Health in Older Adults

 

People aged 60 years and older make valuable contributions to society as active family members, volunteers, and active participants in the workforce. Although most older people are in good mental health, many are at risk for mental disorders, neurological diseases, or substance use problems, as well as other conditions, such as diabetes, hearing loss, or osteoarthritis. On the other hand, as we age, the chances that we will suffer from several conditions at the same time increase.

The proportion of older people is increasing rapidly around the world. It is estimated that between 2015 and 2050 this proportion will almost double, from 12 to 22%. In absolute numbers, the expected increase is from 900 million to 2 billion people over 60 years of age. Older adults can suffer from physical and mental problems that must be recognized. David Berkowitz, a Chicago-based nursing home owner, is focused on helping to enhance seniors’ quality of life by providing first-class elder care facilities. Taking into account that the aging of the US population is very fast, promoting good mental health in older people  is becoming one of the greatest social concerns in all of David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home facilities.

Many older adults are at risk for mental health problems. However, this does not mean that mental health problems are a normal part of aging.  It's important to recognize and treat mental disorders in older adults. These disorders don't just cause mental suffering. They can also make it harder for you to manage other health problems.

Most of our elders enjoy a healthy mental state and well-being, which translates into a higher quality of life, a more satisfying life and the ability to carry out a contribution to society. However, there are groups of older people in which there is a high prevalence of neuropsychiatric conditions, including dementia, which involve health and welfare costs. As the number of the older population continues to grow, the problems related with mental disorders are also increasing, which is why David Berkowitz from Aperion believes that this demographic change will have additional implications for public and social health systems, labor markets and the overall economy of the country.

According to David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home, it is important that healthcare providers and society as a whole pay attention to the special needs of older population groups through the following measures:

·         training of health professionals in the care of the elderly;

·         prevention and care of chronic diseases that accompany old age, such as mental, neural and substance abuse problems;

·         development of sustainable policies on long-term care and palliative care;

·         creation of services and environments that favor the elderly.

The mental health of older adults can be improved by promoting active and healthy habits. This means creating living conditions and environments that enhance well-being and encourage people to adopt healthy and integrated lifestyles. The promotion of mental health depends to a large extent on strategies that lead to the elderly having the necessary resources to satisfy their basic needs, sums up David Berkowitz, President of Aperion Care.

Advantages of living in a nursing home

 Nowadays it is common to use nursing homes as an option when it comes to caring for our elders. In the last ten years, the number of elderly people living in residences has almost tripled, from some 96,000 people in 2001 to more than 270,000 in 2011, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics.

However, it seems that the use of nursing homes for the care of the elderly is something that is stigmatized. It is still difficult to make people understand that not having time to take care of them is normal, and that sending them to a residence or a day center is not getting rid of them or disengaging ourselves, but rather providing much better care than we could give them at home.

Offering more than 30 post-hospital rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care homes in Illinois and Indiana, Aperion Care founded by David Berkowitz Chicago is one of the largest operators that provides post-hospital rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care. Dedication to quality, personalized care for every guest is the number one priority. David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home offers services including physical, occupational and speech therapy and skilled nursing care.

Family Visits to Nursing Home Residents

This week we talked with David Berkowitz from Aperion Care about nursing home residents during COVID-19. The first topic we dealt with was the “prevention paradox” as Mr. Berkowitz explained. An example of this paradox was what sometimes a person who doesn't take care of himself lives longer and better than someone who has good lifestyle habits. However, as he emphasized, those who take care of themselves will always have a more quality life, although there are always isolated cases with the other way around.

Then we talked with David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home a little about how the elderly people who live in residences have experienced the pandemic and how distressed they were by all the news that came to them from the state of the country. For this reason, in many residences they chose not to put the news on television anymore. We also exposed the fact of everyday life that older people do so well and as for their good, many of their daily habits had to be altered. Let's not forget that we added the fact of not being able to receive visits.

Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults

With the arrival of summer, high temperatures and suffocating humidity are already a constant in our day-to-day lives. This long-awaited time of year is synonymous with vacations, the beach and other activities that help us break the monotony, but it is also synonymous with heat strokes and much danger for the elderly.

We must not forget that these extreme weather conditions can be harmful for older people. Therefore, knowing some tips and indications to deal with more than possible heat waves is very necessary. Bellow, David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home owner, shares some valuable tips on how older adults can deal easier with the heat.

 

Why are older people vulnerable to heat?

As David Berkowitz, President of Aperion Care explains, one of the main causes that answers this question is that from the age of 65, people tend to lose the sensation of heat and thirst. So hydration and prevention are neglected, and you are more likely to suffer from heat stroke, for not taking the proper precautions.

In addition, on many occasions, the symptoms of these heat strokes go unnoticed within the pathologies associated with age and own physical deterioration (tiredness, fatigue, weakness, etc.), so it is overlooked and its effects become very dangerous.

In summer, it is very important to pay attention to older people to avoid the harmful effects of heat.

Tips to prevent heat stroke in older people

It is very important, to avoid unnecessary scares, to follow some recommendations that will help to avoid the heat strokes so present in summer.

Constantly hydrate

The most important rule to follow, according to David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home is always drink plenty of water. Even if you are not thirsty, you have to drink liquids (water, soft drinks, juices, etc.) regularly to get your body temperature regulated.

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun

Especially in older adults, it is very important not to be in the sun for a long time. The hottest and most humid hours of the day should be avoided at all cost.

Do not eat large meals

It is important not to have very heavy digestions, since they increase the body temperature. David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home recommends eating salads, vegetables, fruits, and other light meals that must be very frequent in summer.

Wear light and fresh clothes

Make sure you wear comfortable clothing that allows good breathability and that the heat does not remain impregnated in the body.

Stay in well-ventilated and cool rooms

Have the blinds down, or the curtains, to prevent the sun from increasing the temperature of the place.

Shower regularly

It is the best way to cool off quickly and regulate our body temperature.

Accompaniment, the greatest confidence

In summer, especially, it is very important to pay attention to older people to avoid the effects of heat that are so dangerous to their health. Paying attention to the elderly, so that they comply with the advice outlined above, by David Berkowitz Chicago Nursing Home, is as important as or more important than following the instructions.

For this reason, if you or a family member cannot be with your loved one, it is convenient to make sure that, despite this, your elder will always be with the best care to prevent blows and the effects of heat. A caregiver, with experience and references in dealing with older people, may be the most suitable solution so that summer is a time without any complications.