Mental Health Awareness Month – Helping Seniors Within Your Community

May is mental health awareness month. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, affecting how we think, feel, and act. As our loved ones age, they often need to navigate hard and uncomfortable situations. Their needs change. They begin losing their independence. Things become uncertain. Now, maybe more than ever before, they may need additional emotional support along their journey.

FamilyAssets recently published resources on topics like why it’s important to support older adults’ mental health as well as what assisted living and senior living communities can do to help their residents improve mental well-being. Communities can utilize these resources to continue to serve seniors, their families and ultimately, positively impact residents’ mental health every single day. 

Understanding mental health in older adults

While there are many types of mental health conditions in older adults, two of the most common are depression and anxiety. These two conditions impact approximately 20% of people aged 55 and older nationwide. Understanding the prevalence and common conditions of mental health in seniors can help your community support your residents in their mental health needs. 

• Common Senior Mental Health Issues
• Depression in Seniors 

Why is mental health important? 

Mental health can affect a senior’s daily living and activities. According to the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, more than half of assisted living communities nationwide (55%) offer mental health counseling, and 81.9% of communities conduct depression screenings with their residents. Help your current and prospective residents by understanding and supporting their mental health needs as they continue to enjoy life as they age. 

• Mental Health Support for Older Adults

Improve resident’s mental health  

As a community, you have the unique opportunity to help seniors boost their mental health. Mental health journeys can be unique to each resident but can have commonalities on ways to improve their mental well-being by simple mood boosting activities. No matter what their mental health conditions are, you can continue to support and positively impact your residents’ lives each and every day. 

• Tips for Boosting Seniors Mental Health

Mental health is oftentimes overlooked in seniors, making it that much more important for a senior living community to be educated and have the necessary resources to support their residents all year round. Mental health providers that accept Medicare and Medicaid are throughout the country to support your residents, no matter where they live. 

If you or a loved one needs mental or emotional support, Mental Health America is a great resource to find providers who can work with your unique condition.