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Depression is Not a Normal Part of Aging
by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
Welcome to the second issue of our new newsletter. Many of us working in the field of geriatrics are familiar with the month of May as Older Americans Month - but did you also know that May 25-31, 2008 is Older Americans Mental Health Week?
According to the Older Women's League (OWL) 2007 Public Opinion Poll, 60% of Americans think that Depression is a normal part of aging, and unfortunately, many health care professionals share the same attitude.
I want to share with you, 10 Facts about Mental Health and Aging that OWL lists on their website.
- Mental health problems are not a normal part of aging
- While older adults may experience many losses, deep sadness that lingers may signal clinical depression
- Similarly, an anxiety disorder is different from normal worries
- Mental health is as important as physical health
- Research shows mental illness can slow healing from physical illness
- Healthy older adults can continue to thrive, grow and enjoy life
- Exercising your mind and body and maintaining social connections are good for your mental health
- Mental health problems are a risk for older adults, regardless of history
- Sometimes mental health deteriorates in response to a stroke, Parkinson's, cancer, arthritis, diabetes, or some medications
- Suicide is a risk among older adults
- Older Americans have the highest suicide rate in the country
- These symptoms call for consultation with a healthcare professional
- Sadness that lasts more than 2 weeks
- Consistent worries about issues such as money, family, and health
- Difficulty sleeping
- Worsening memory
- Increased use of alcohol or medications
- Older adults can be helped with the same success as younger people
- The combination of psychotherapy and medications helps 80% recover
- Our healthcare system is not adequately helping older adults with mental disorders
- Researchers estimate that 63% of older adults with mental disorders do not receive the services they need
- Misdiagnosis is common
- Primary care physicians fail to diagnose depression 50% of the time
- Older adults have specidfic mental health care needs
- Changes in their bodies, social situations, and living environment can all impact mental health
The clinical social workers at Pathways for Aging, are very sensitive to the mental health needs of our clients and their families, and routinely assess this, regardless of the identified needs of the referring individual. We have found that psychotherapy combined with anti-depressants frequently helps older adults to improve and lift their depression. Medication alone, may not be sufficient to help them change their perspective or behavior, and does not provide the relationship, support, and guidance they often need to begin making changes.
Many older adults are receptive to counseling if presented in a non-threatening manner, focusing on giving them a professional with whom they can discuss their concerns and problem-solve rather than their need for "therapy or treatment". The earlier the referral for psychotherapy, the more likely it is that psychotherapy will be beneficial.
Nursing Home Compare - Special Facility Focus added to Medicare website
Special Focus Facility(SFF) Nursing Homes - In April 2008, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services(CMS), announced they are creating cross links to their list of nursing homes that have a record of persistently poor survey performance, and have been selected for more frequent inspections and monitoring, to the nursing home compare section of www.medicare.gov Additional information may be accessed through www.cms.hhs.gov
Get to know our team.....
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Brad Cavanagh, MSW, LCSW, joined Pathways for Aging in 2006.
Throughout my career, I have worked with people of all ages. After spending a number of years working with children and families, I found my way into working with older adults and their families in a large skilled nursing facility in St. Louis. It was at this time that I began to realize that the emotional and mental health needs of older adults, their caregivers, and their families were not being sufficiently addressed in the St. Louis area. When I discovered Pathways for Aging, I was excited to learn that someone was working to fill this gap in services, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.
As Pathways for Aging continues to grow and expand services to reach out to more and more people, I am thankful that I can play a part in helping aging adults and their families live fuller, more enriching lives.
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Zen and the Art of Coping With Alzheimer’s
This excerpt was taken from the April 14, 2008, Health Section of the New York Times. "[Alzheimer’s Disease…..] Meanwhile, the numbers are staggering: 4.5 million people in the United States have Alzheimer’s, 1 in 10 over 65 and nearly half of those over 85. Taking care of them costs $100 billion a year, and the number of patients is expected to reach 11 million to 16 million by 2050. Experts say the disease will swamp the health system. [more...]
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Please Contact Us
Call us today at 314.361.3530 if you or a friend or family member needs help with an older adult.
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Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117
How We Can Help
Personalized Care Management from the staff at Pathways for Aging provides:
Customized information about community resources to meet the needs of your loved one.
Peace of mind if you are separated from your loved one by geography or by a vacation or business trip.
Someone to act as your eyes and ears, and troubleshoots problems before they become crises.
A supportive advocate if you need to make life-altering decisions which impact quality-of-life, such as medical decisions, whether your loved one is able to continue independent living, when is it time to consider alternative housing, etc.
A professional to help with strained family relationships and negotiating difficult decisions.
Call us today at 314.361.3530 to see how we can help you.
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