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Addressing Mental Health in the Elderly: Geriatric Treatment Strategies

Are you or a loved one struggling with mental health concerns as a mature adult? Reach out to MBO for specialized geriatric mental health treatment.
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We're Here to Help You Thrive

At Mind Body Optimization (MBO), we recognize the unique needs of older adults facing mental health challenges. This is why we champion a holistic approach that addresses the connection between physical, emotional, and social factors influencing well-being.

Our guiding principle is to put you first. Our outpatient and telehealth programs in Texas are here to empower individuals. We are here to help you reclaim your well-being and live a fulfilling life. 

Join us on this journey to understand geriatric mental health treatment while you take the steps towards lasting improvement.

Geriatric Mental Health Treatment

Understanding Mental Health in Geriatric Populations

Addressing geriatric mental health treatment requires acknowledging its unique landscape. Contrary to popular belief, mental health concerns are far from uncommon among older adults. In fact, studies suggest that roughly 14% of individuals 60 and over experience a diagnosable mental health disorder.1
The impact of these conditions extends far beyond statistics. Mental health challenges in geriatrics can significantly impact quality of life, leading to:
  • Increased disability
  • Social isolation
  • Increased physical health

What Are the Risk Factors of Poor Geriatric Mental Health?

The intricate factors that can influence geriatric mental health treatment often include:
  • Physical and Mental Health: Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and pain can worsen or cause mental health issues. Mental distress can also worsen physical health outcomes.
  • Cognitive Decline: Age-related changes in memory, thinking, and processing speed can contribute to anxiety and depression. They can even increase the risk of dementia.
  • Social Isolation: Loss of loved ones, reduced mobility, and retirement can lead to loneliness and social isolation. These issues are known risk factors for mental health decline.2

How Do Mental Health Concerns Affect Older Adults?

Mental health concerns may look different in older adults than they do in younger generations. Several mental health disorders that may manifest in unique ways in older adults include:

Depression

In older adults, depression may last longer and often goes hand-in-hand with physical illnesses or disabilities. Symptoms may also present differently, and physical complaints, like fatigue and sleep disturbances, might mask underlying emotional distress.3

Anxiety

There is evidence that anxiety is actually more common in the geriatric population than depression. However, it is often overshadowed by concerns about depression and dementia.4

Older adults might experience anxiety as worry about finances, health, or the future. This can impact their daily functioning.

Dementia

Dementia is the loss of cognitive functions, such as thinking, reasoning, and remembering. Dementia affects millions of people and becomes more common as people age. This progressive cognitive decline almost always requires specialized care and support.5

Late-Life Psychotic Disorders

Though psychosis often occurs earlier in life, it can also appear in older adults. This is called late-onset psychosis. While less common, this condition can present with higher morbidity and mortality rates.6
We can move towards effective intervention and geriatric mental health treatment by understanding these factors and common presentations.

Crafting a Personalized Path for Geriatric Mental Health

At Mind Body Optimization, we see you not as a set of symptoms but as a unique individual. Addressing geriatric mental health treatment requires a personalized approach, so “one-size-fits-all” solutions are not in our repertoire.
MBO recognizes the limitations of singular approaches, which is why we champion integrative treatment plans. These plans combine various modalities based on individual needs and preferences.
Here are some ways we help individuals build the tools they need to thrive:

Psychotherapy

As we age, our mental health needs can shift, and it’s important to have access to appropriate interventions and support.
Approaches used for geriatric mental health treatment might include:
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to emotional distress. CBT has been shown to be effective for depression, anxiety, and insomnia in older adults.
  • Problem-Solving Therapy (PST): PST teaches skills to identify, analyze, and solve problems effectively. This could reduce stress and improve coping mechanisms.
  • Reminiscence Therapy: This approach encourages older adults to reflect on past experiences, promoting positive memories, self-identity, and connection.
  • Validation Therapy: Validation therapy helps individuals with dementia feel heard and understood by acknowledging their emotions and experiences, reducing agitation and distress.7

Pharmacological Management

Medications used in geriatric mental health treatment could include:
  • Antidepressants: These can be helpful for managing depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders in older adults. However, they should be carefully monitored by a healthcare professional due to potential side effects and drug interactions.
  • Antipsychotics: These might be used to treat symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, in older adults with dementia or other mental health conditions.
  • Sleep medication: Sleep medication may be prescribed for short-term use in older adults with insomnia. However, long-term use should be avoided due to potential risks and dependence.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

Mind Body Optimization understands that not every geriatric mental health treatment is the same, which is why we include various methods and approaches to address the whole person.
A wealth of non-pharmacological options exist, including:
  • Meditation and Mindfulness: This method is about observing your thoughts and sensations without judgment, gently guiding your attention to the present moment.
  • Experiential Therapy: Experiential therapy uses creative activities and interactions to help you re-experience, understand, and move past emotional challenges. This approach can include exercise, art therapy, and music therapy.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This approach involves processing disturbing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This stimulation is thought to help the brain reprocess the memories in a healthier way, reducing their emotional impact.8
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Coming Soon): TMS uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain. It aims to improve symptoms of depression, OCD, and other conditions.9
These approaches address emotional well-being, reduce stress, and improve cognitive function.

Building a Collaborative Bridge: Comprehensive Assessment and Care Coordination

Navigating geriatric mental health treatment requires a supportive network. This network is built on communication and collaboration. At MBO, we understand effective care is holistic, extending beyond individual treatment sessions.
At MBO, we prioritize:
  • Care Coordination: We collaborate with primary care physicians, specialists, and caregivers. This ensures a seamless and comprehensive approach. This coordinated effort ensures all aspects of well-being are addressed.
  • Interdisciplinary Teams: Our team comprises specialists in psychiatry, psychology, social work, and nutrition. We focus on working together to develop geriatric mental health treatment that fits each person’s needs.
  • Progress Monitoring: We believe in ongoing communication and monitoring. Regular assessments ensure treatment plans remain effective and address evolving needs. They empower individuals to be active participants in their well-being journey.

The MBO Advantage: A Comprehensive Assessment

At MBO, we don’t simply treat symptoms; we work hard to understand every individual who comes through our doors.
Our comprehensive geriatric mental health treatment delves deeper, encompassing:
  • Physical Evaluation: Examining medical history, medications, and any physical health concerns that may impact mental well-being.
  • Cognitive Assessment: We evaluate memory, processing speed, and thinking abilities. This helps identify potential cognitive decline or dementia.
  • Psychosocial Evaluation: We explore mood, emotions, social support networks, and life circumstances to understand the full picture.
A thorough assessment allows for developing informed treatment plans that address the identified mental health concern and underlying factors that may contribute to it.
We believe that the mind and body are intimately connected and that no one aspect can be effectively addressed alone. That is why we focus on addressing the whole person concurrently.

Addressing Unique Challenges and Considerations in Geriatric Mental Health Treatment

The path towards improved mental well-being in later life holds immense promise. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the unique challenges and considerations that arise along the way.

Facing the Stigma

Unfortunately, older adults often face social stigma surrounding mental health concerns. This can lead to shame, isolation, and reluctance to seek help. At MBO, we create a safe and supportive environment so individuals feel empowered to discuss their struggles openly.

Breaking Down Barriers

Accessibility to care can be a significant hurdle for older adults. Transportation challenges, financial limitations, and limited awareness of available resources can create barriers.
MBO is committed to breaking down these barriers by:
  • Offering flexible scheduling options
  • Exploring various financial assistance programs
  • Providing educational resources to empower individuals and their families

The Strength of Support

Family caregivers and support networks are crucial in geriatric mental health treatment.
MBO offers support groups, educational workshops, and individual consultations to equip caregivers with the knowledge and skills to navigate this journey alongside their loved ones.

Ethical Considerations

As with any healthcare setting, ethical considerations are paramount in geriatric mental health treatment.
MBO adheres to the highest ethical standards, ensuring:
  • Capacity assessments: Careful evaluation of an individual’s ability to make informed decisions regarding their care.
  • Advance care planning: Open and respectful discussions about future medical wishes and preferences.
We can create a supportive environment by acknowledging these challenges and fostering open communication. Older adults can confidently seek the care they need and deserve.

Embracing a Life of Vitality With Geriatric Mental Health Treatment

At Mind Body Optimization, aging well is about thriving throughout life. We embrace a holistic approach beyond treating symptoms in order to empower individuals to cultivate resilience, well-being, and a sense of purpose.
We actively work with individuals so that they can take charge of their mental and physical health. This is why we offer:

Stress Reduction Techniques

Teaching mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress and improve emotional well-being. These approaches help in reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, and increasing self-awareness.

Nutritional Counseling (Coming Soon)

Nutrition fuels your brain and body, impacting mood, energy, and focus. Eating well promotes the production of mood-regulating chemicals, supports healthy gut bacteria linked to mental well-being, and reduces inflammation that can negatively affect mental health.

Cultivating Wellness

We understand that successful geriatric mental health treatment also addresses physical health. That is why our wellness programs go beyond mere exercise classes.
We offer diverse options that cater to individual preferences and abilities, fostering a sense of connection and community:
  • Fitness classes: Low-impact exercises like yoga to promote physical activity and social interaction.
  • Art therapy workshops: Art therapy can encourage self-expression, creativity, and emotional exploration.

Connecting With Community

Social isolation is a significant risk factor for mental health decline in older adults. MBO guides individuals to foster social connection and community. We offer a safe space for individuals to connect with peers facing similar challenges. This fosters a sense of belonging and support.
By empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities for connection, we strive to cultivate a life filled with dignity, resilience, and a sense of purpose, regardless of age.
Geriatric Mental Health Treatment

Take Charge of Your Mental Health Journey

By understanding the complexities of geriatric mental health treatment and seeking support tailored to your needs, you can empower yourself to live the life you deserve.
At Mind Body Optimization, we stand firmly committed to providing compassionate, personalized care that addresses older adults’ specific needs and concerns.
We go beyond symptom management to embrace a holistic approach integrating various therapies, specialized approaches, and a supportive community environment.

Create a Happier Future For Yourself

Whether you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, you are not alone. Taking that first step to seek help is a courageous act, and MBO is here to guide you every step of the way.
We offer a safe and welcoming space where you can openly discuss your struggles and work collaboratively with our specialists to develop a treatment plan that empowers you to thrive.

Reach Out and Begin Healing

If you or a loved one is seeking geriatric mental health treatment, contact us for an initial consultation. Remember, investing in your mental well-being is an investment in a brighter future. One filled with vitality, purpose, and a renewed sense of joy.

Together, we can unlock the door to a life filled with well-being and the potential for limitless growth.