Assisted Living for People with Mental Health Disorders [Guide]

Link: https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-for-people-with-mental-health-disorders/

According to the CDC, an estimated 20% of people 55 and older experience some type of mental health condition. Assisted living facilities provide structured social and therapeutic recreational programs designed to help seniors socialize and stay active, key factors in preventing many mental health issues.

Mental health disorders can occur at any age, and seniors are especially vulnerable to issues such as depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment. Age-related issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, mobility loss and chronic health concerns, such as COPD and diabetes, all impact seniors’ physical and mental health, leading to co-occurring illnesses.

For example, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, arthritis and heart disease can trigger depression in seniors. Given that 49.6% of American adults aged 65 and older live with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and the median age of a cancer diagnosis is 66 years, it’s easy to see why symptoms of clinical depression are so prevalent among the elderly.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for mental health disorders, seniors who are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders may want to consider joining an assisted living community. These facilities provide seniors with the safety and security that comes with knowing staff are always available to lend a helping hand, and many residents find they can rest easy knowing that they don’t need to worry about maintaining a home, shopping for groceries or preparing meals.

Assisted living services include structured social and therapeutic recreational programs designed to help seniors socialize and stay active, key factors in preventing many mental health issues.

Link: https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-for-people-with-mental-health-disorders/