Helping an older loved one living with a mental illness can seem overwhelming. Accessing the right mental health resources for seniors can make navigating their mental health journey more manageable.
Why is Mental Health Important for Older Adults?
Mental well-being is closely connected to physical wellness and overall quality of life.
When an older adult’s mental health needs are met, they can experience a sense of purpose, connectedness, and dignity. Furthermore, better mental health outcomes generally lead to better physical health outcomes. Plenty of research, for example, links serious mental illness to greater risk of chronic illness like diabetes. Risk of dementia is also closely related to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for quality mental healthcare to improve overall health.
What are Common Mental Health Concerns for Seniors?
Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder (SUD) are all common mental health concerns for older people. Signs that a loved one may be living with a mental illness include social withdrawal, agitation and restlessness, mood swings, wandering, and intense feelings of sadness.
Anyone who suspects their loved one may have a mental health condition should speak with a licensed healthcare provider or mental health crisis counselor right away.
What are Potential Risk Factors for Mental Health Problems in Seniors?
Mental illness can affect people of any age group, including older adults. Reasons older people may be at particular risk for certain mental health challenges include:
- Genetics and family history
- Grief and losing a loved one
- Hearing loss
- Loss of independence
- Medical conditions and physical disability
- Social isolation
What Mental Health Resources are Available for Seniors, Families, & Caregivers?
Online Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
This free suicide prevention hotline is available 24/7 in both English and Spanish. Individuals can call or text 988 or contact someone through the online chat portal.
AARP Mental Health Resource Center
AARP’s Mental Health Resource Center hosts a library of content related to mental health while aging, covering topics like healthy aging tips, signs of mental illness in older adults, ways to access community services, and more.
Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH)
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a free helpline available 24/7 for U.S. residents (including those in U.S. territories) facing emotional distress related to both human-caused and natural disasters. People can reach the helpline by dialing or texting 1-800-985-5990.
MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus, offered through the National Library of Medicine, is a massive repository of health information available to the public, including topics related to older adults and mental health.
Mental Health America
Mental Health America is a non-profit organization helping connect individuals with mental health resources, improve awareness of mental health challenges and barriers to care across the country, and more.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is another non-profit organization dedicated to promoting mental wellness. NAMI offers a wealth of resources for seniors, families, and caregivers, from articles to webinars to podcasts.
National Council on Aging (NCOA)
Established in 1950, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is an organization dedicated to senior advocacy and providing necessary resources, such as mental health and financial resources, to help older adults in the U.S. age well.
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) is part of the National Institutes of Health; it is a government organization dedicated to aging, with focuses on research and clinical trials as well as offering free resources to older adults, their families, and healthcare professionals.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Institute of Mental Health is a government organization dedicated to mental health initiatives, including education initiatives for families and funding opportunities for research institutions.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s mission is to “[lead] public health and service delivery efforts that treat mental illness, especially serious mental illness, prevent substance abuse and addiction, and provide treatments and supports to foster recovery while ensuring access and better outcomes for all.” SAMHSA resources families can access include tools to find healthcare programs or support groups and guides to help individuals set up appointments for mental health or substance use services.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a mental health helpline specifically created with veterans in mind. Individuals can call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat with someone online.
In-person Resources
Eldercare Locator, through the Administration for Community Living (ACL), can help families find in-person mental health resources for their aging family member, including local senior centers and Area Agency on Aging (AAA), support groups, mental and behavioral health professionals, advocacy groups, and short-term respite care services at senior living communities.
FindTreatment.gov can also help individuals, including older people, living with substance misuse or serious mental illnesses connect with treatment options and peer support in their area, as well as help paying for treatment.
Senior Mental Health Resource FAQs
What are mental health services?
Mental health services are services offered from a licensed provider. These services are designed to treat people experiencing mental health challenges and get patients access to evidence-based, effective treatment options.
What is the most requested support service for older people?
In-home care services are among the most requested support services for older adults. In-home care services are professional services an older adult receives in their own home, wherever their home may be, be it an apartment, condo, family home, or senior living community. These services may include wound care or physical therapy, and may be covered in part by certain Medicare policies, Medicaid, or private insurance.
What type of mental health provider should I see?
Anyone concerned about their mental wellness or the mental health of an older relative should speak to their primary care provider for more information. These providers may be able to rule out potential physical causes of mental distress, like an untreated urinary tract infection (UTI), or refer someone to a licensed mental health professional who is best suited to help someone access the resources, services, and treatment options they need.
How are substance use disorders diagnosed?
Only a licensed healthcare provider can diagnose a substance use disorder. These professionals currently follow the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)’s criteria for diagnosis, which includes having at least two specific symptoms (e.g., substance cravings, withdrawal) from a list of symptoms for a period of at least 12 months.
How can I help improve the mental health of my elderly loved one?
Ways you can help promote the mental and emotional well-being of your aging loved one can include:
- Volunteering with them. Volunteering can provide anyone with a sense of purpose and connection to their community. Find volunteer opportunities for yourself and your loved one and participate together. For example, if you are both part of a church or synagogue, find opportunities to help set up special events.
- Taking care of your own mental health. Journaling, taking daily walks, or even taking a break from family caregiving responsibilities by utilizing short-term respite care services can all help you prevent caregiver burnout and provide the best quality care possible to your loved one.
- Helping them access the right mental health resources for seniors. Take your relative to their counseling and doctor appointments and introduce them to helpful resources they can peruse on their own, such as articles from AARP’s Mental Health Resource Center.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition.