older adults' mental health
Geriatric Psychiatry &
Mental Health Care
Aging and Mental Health
Older adults face unique mental health risk factors that can arise from life changes such as retirement, moving, losing loved ones and physical changes. While these transitions are a natural part of aging, they can bring about significant emotional and behavioral struggles that may go unrecognized or untreated. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the quality of life and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live well into their later years.
At Family Care Center, we believe in collaborating with families, caregivers, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other providers to develop a holistic approach that prioritizes safety and comprehensive treatment for the best possible outcome. Take the first step toward better mental health by reaching out to us today. Together, we can ensure that every stage of life is lived to its fullest.
Geriatric psychiatry and treatments for older adult mental health
At Family Care Center, we utilize evidence-based treatments with a focus on positive transformation. Our geriatric behavioral health services are designed to help you build resilience and achieve mental well-being.
Talk Therapy
We provide a spectrum of evidence-based individual treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.
Medication Management
Medication can reduce symptoms to improve our daily lives, but proper medication management is increasingly important as we age. Multiple doctors may prescribe medications without a comprehensive understanding, leading to overprescribing or unintended interactions. Furthermore, medication may need to change as we age to continue being effective.
Our geriatric psychiatrists work collaboratively to review all medications prescribed by different providers. This holistic approach helps us adjust medications as needed, ensuring they remain effective while promoting overall well-being.
“I’ve been taking my elderly father here for medication management, and it has helped us immensely. Our family has noticed a significant improvement!”
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a groundbreaking treatment for depression in older adults. However, it may also reduce symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, neuropathy and many other co-morbid conditions. Our experts often consider TMS treatment because it could lessen the medication burden for older adults managing multiple health conditions, reducing their reliance on numerous drugs that can heighten fall risk and unwanted drug interactions.
Psychiatric Assessments
Psychiatric assessments for seniors require a comprehensive approach that considers psychiatric, medical and neurological factors to ensure an accurate diagnosis. At Family Care Center, we understand that assessments are an ongoing process that involves regularly evaluating the patient’s condition while considering their family and support environment. By looking at all aspects of life, we can create a safer environment tailored to each patient’s needs. Our goal is to provide continuous care that adapts as circumstances change, ensuring the most effective treatment plan for long-term well-being.
Mental health symptoms in older adults
Mental well-being is crucial at every stage of life. For older adults, effective treatment options are available to help manage mental health and enhance quality of life. Recognizing the signs and seeking help from a mental health provider are the first steps toward treatment and well-being.
Older adult mental health symptoms may include:
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy, or appetite
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
- Increased worry or stress
- Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
- Misuse of alcohol or drugs
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Hallucinations or delusions
Navigating memory and cognitive impairment
Older adults often face natural cognitive and functional decline, which can be accompanied by daunting behavioral and emotional challenges. Our geriatric psychiatrists prioritize thorough diagnosis and ongoing assessment with a comprehensive approach, considering changing psychiatric, medical and neurological factors over time. We combine evidence-based care with a holistic treatment plan to provide emotional support and navigate decisions on safety and care.
Dementia and mental health
Dementia has a severe effect on the mental health and well-being of older adults, leading to memory loss, cognitive decline and behavior changes. It can also co-occur alongside anxiety, depression and other mood disorders.
Family Care Center offers specialized care that addresses the unique challenges of dementia through compassionate support and proven treatments. Our psychometric department can evaluate various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving and language skills. These tests help to pinpoint specific areas of cognitive decline, which are often indicative of dementia.
Early intervention, regular assessments and therapy help improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Trust our dedicated, multi-disciplinary team of clinicians to provide dementia care that meets older adults’ needs while supporting overall mental health.
Behavioral disorders in older adults
Behavioral disorders in older adults pose a serious challenge for nursing staff and family caregivers. These disorders, which may include aggression, agitation, wandering, and resistance to care, often arise from cognitive impairments like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These behaviors’ unpredictable and intense nature creates a highly stressful environment, requiring ongoing patience and specialized care.
Managing behavioral disorders in older adults requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving health care professionals, family members and community resources. Early intervention and continuous monitoring are crucial in identifying the triggers of behavioral disorders and implementing appropriate strategies to manage them.
Our team of psychiatrists, psychologists and psychometrists is here to help you navigate the complexities of caring for older adults with behavioral disorders. By working together, we can improve the quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver.
Appointments in days, not months
Taking the first step on your mental health journey is easier than you might think.
- Call or request an appointment online to speak with our team about care and coverage
- Let us know how we can support you or your loved ones
- Choose a time, provider and location near you - also available virtually
* Family Care Center is in-network with most major health insurance plans!
Most insurance plans accepted
