Many seniors experience physical symptoms that may actually be manifestations of deeper, more serious changes in their mental health. Do you know what to look for to ensure this isn’t the case for your elderly loved one? Here’s a list to help you recognize some physical symptoms that can result from mental health changes.
1. Insomnia
Sleep quality can often be a barometer of mental health. Insomnia may indicate the presence of neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, dementia, or depression, or it can even result from the fear of not waking up. A severe lack of sleep can also contribute to mental disorders, creating a cycle of decreased health.
The regular companionship of a home caregiver can help your loved one alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation that often lead to mental health issues. Elderly home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Someone who repeats a behavior over and over is said to have OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. The person begins the behavior to control a fear he or she has, but eventually the behavior takes control and the person cannot stop doing it. Though most people who develop OCD do so earlier in life, when a senior practices this type of behavior, it may be related to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
3. Hoarding
Often directly connected to OCD, obsessively collecting and retaining items of little or no value is known as hoarding. Some seniors begin to see their possessions as part of their identities and can no longer differentiate between themselves and their items. To get rid of things is to lose a part of themselves. If your loved one was already prone to anxiety or feared the possibility of outliving his or her resources or that memories might be lost without tangible evidence, hoarding may be a sign of Alzheimer’s disease.
If your elderly loved one is living with Alzheimer’s and needs help managing the symptoms, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Clearwater seniors can rely on our revolutionary Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), an activities-based program that promotes cognitive health and delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. CTM also encourages seniors to engage with others in an enjoyable way and helps them build new routines to look forward to.
4. Misusing Medications
Some older adults misuse their medications. If you discover this is happening with your loved one, you need to ask yourself why. It’s possible your loved one’s memory has decreased enough that he or she can no longer recall taking medication, or the onset of dementia may have resulted in confusion about which medications to take.
If you’re concerned about your loved one’s mental and emotional wellbeing, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care service. Clearwater, FL, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (727) 330-7862.