Mental Health in Senior Adults

When we talk about “mental health,” this includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we go through life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, including old age.

While many senior adults are at risk for mental health problems, this does not mean that mental health problems are a normal part of aging. Studies show that most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite experiencing increased illness or physical problems.

Making sure that our residents are healthy and happy is always one of our goals at USA Healthcare, and sometimes senior adults need a little extra help, which is why The Sanctuary at the Woodlands exists. 

More About Mental Health In Senior Adults

It’s important to recognize and treat mental disorders in older adults. These disorders don’t just cause mental suffering, but they can also make it harder to manage other health problems. This is especially true if those health problems are chronic.

According to the CDC, approximately 20% of people aged 55 years or older experience some type of mental health concern. The most common conditions include anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Senior adults may go through big life changes that make them feel uneasy, stressed, or sad. These changes could include the death of a loved one, retirement, or dealing with a serious illness. Many older adults will eventually adjust to the changes, but for some, it’s much more difficult. This can put them at risk for mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Some of the warning signs of mental disorders in older adults include:

• Changes in mood or energy level
• A change in eating or sleeping habits
• Withdrawing from people and activities
• Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried, or scared
• Feeling numb or like nothing matters
• Having unexplained aches and pains
• Feeling sadness or hopelessness
• Smoking, drinking, or using drugs more than usual
• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
• Having thoughts and memories that become obsessive
• Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
• Thinking about harming themself or others

It’s important to note that mental health problems are a risk for older adults, regardless of history. While some adults go through life managing a chronic mental illness, mental health problems can also appear late in life. Sometimes mental health deteriorates in response to a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, arthritis, or diabetes, and even some medications. 

In most cases, mental health issues respond well to treatment, but too often older adults do not seek or receive the help they need. Undiagnosed and untreated, mental health illnesses have serious implications for older adults and their loved ones. 

More About the Sanctuary at the Woodlands

The Sanctuary at the Woodlands is a freestanding psychiatric hospital and because of this, all patients are medically stable for admission to the facility. Traditionally, most patients are cleared through a local emergency department or their primary care physician. We take referrals from many sources, including family members, physicians, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, community agencies, and clergy members.

The Sanctuary features a home-like environment, and we are proud of our facility and care delivery system. We have set our standards high, striving to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients. 

Our facility is composed of two units which are tailored to meet the special needs of our patients. A 20-bed adult unit serves individuals aged 19 to 64 while our other 20-bed unit is dedicated exclusively to seniors, aged 65 and older.

Treatments are provided for the following:

• Mood disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Dementia with behavioral disturbance
• Psychotic disorders
• Adjustment disorder
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• PTSD
• Schizoaffective disorder

In treating the above, we offer interactive programs that may include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Individual therapy
• Psychological testing & consultations
• Nutritional consultations
• Group, family, and activities therapy
• Social skills training
• Psychotropic medication, if indicated
• Extensive discharge planning
• 24/7 comprehensive behavioral health assessments by a licensed Behavioral Health Professional for placement & referral
• Physician to physician consults

Healthy older adults can continue to thrive, grow, and enjoy life. Our most important relationships are with our residents. Their satisfaction is the driving force behind every decision we make at The Sanctuary at the Woodlands. Our goal is to listen, deliver solutions, and enrich lives one resident at a time.

USA Healthcare: Your Family is Our Family

At USA Healthcare, we look forward to getting to know you and your family and helping you get the answers you need when it comes to the best care options for your loved ones.

Contact us at USA Healthcare to discuss our long-term and short-term care facilities and options. We’re here for you!