A Guide to Understanding Mental Health Care for Senior Citizens

Patient Describing Symptoms to doctor

As we get older, in addition to our physical health,our mental health may become more and more complex. It’s important to understand that mental health conditions can affect anyone at any age – including senior citizens. It’s even more important to understand the importance of getting help for your loved ones who are struggling with their mental health, especially as they get older.

Palm Medical Centers offers senior primary care with genuine kindness to senior citizens located in South and Central Florida. Our compassionate primary care physicians put together a guide to help you understand your loved one’s mental health conditions and how to take care of them for the long term.

Common Mental Health Concerns Among Senior Citizens

According to recent studies, nearly 15 percent of adults over the age of 50 struggle with a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder. Of those 15 percent, the most common mental health conditions include anxiety and depression. That being said, there are a few more mental health conditions that affect men and women as they get older.

The most common mental health conditions we see among the elderly include:

The list above is by no means comprehensive, meaning it’s likely your loved one may experience a mental health condition that is not mentioned in this blog. In the event you believe your loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, it’s important to get them care from medical professionals they can truly trust like the team Palm Medical Centers.

At Palm Medical Centers, our doctors that specialize in senior care take the time to listen to you and your loved ones. This not only ensures they get the high-quality care they deserve, but also ensures they get a completely individualized treatment plan tailored to their needs.

How Can Poor Mental Health be Treated in Senior Citizens?

Poor mental health can be caused by a variety of reasons including poor physical health, isolation in the home, and more. There are several ways someone struggling with their mental health can receive help to alleviate their unwanted symptoms. The doctors at Palm Medical Centers suggest considering counseling services, social support services, medication management, and the use of telemedicine.

Counseling and Therapy

Counseling services are not typically part of a patient’s primary care services but are often highly encouraged when a patient is struggling with a mental health condition. Your trusted therapist will be able to provide you and your loved ones with the tools and resources necessary to help you cope with your mental health concerns without the use of medications. As appropriate, your Palm Medical primary care physician will be happy to refer you to a therapeutic specialist in your area, so you can start your counseling sessions with a trusted source.

Social Support

One of the best things a patient can do for their mental health is stay social and active. We encourage all of our patients to consider joining a program like those available at Palm Medical Centers’ Wellness Centers. These wellness centers are designed to help seniors socialize while staying healthy and active with activities including Zumba, arts and crafts, educational courses, monthly birthday celebrations, and more. Surrounding yourself with positive people in a positive environment can make all the difference in the way you’re feeling about yourself. For your convenience, Palm Medical Centers also provides transportation services to its patients for these activities.

Medication Management

Oftentimes, primary care physicians may recommend the use of medication to manage a mental health concern like depression or PTSD. While medication management may help some patients alleviate some of their symptoms, it may not be right for everyone. It’s important to talk to your primary care doctor about medications you’re already taking to avoid unwanted side effects from medication interactions. Your primary care doctor will know how to navigate your medication intake for the best possible results.

Telemedicine

Are you interested in getting help for your mental health condition but can’t quite make it to the doctor’s office? Consider getting help via telemedicine services. Palm Medical Centers is proud to offer virtual services to all of its patients, ensuring they get the care they need from the comfort of their very own home or wherever they have cellular service or internet access. Telemedicine may include medication management visits with your primary care doctor or counseling services with a therapist.

Geriatric Mental Health Care Near Me

Receiving help for your mental health condition is as easy as calling the expert providers at Palm Medical Centers. Our doctors and caregivers have been bringing genuine kindness to senior primary care for more than 10 years. Palm Medical Center offers its services to senior citizens at several different locations throughout the South and Central Florida areas.

To schedule your first appointment with us, we encourage you to contact us at your preferred location and you will receive a free $15 gift card. Medicare same-day appointments and walk-ins are available.