4 Benefits of Seniors’ Evaluation & Mental Health Help for Seniors

I never thought it could be depression that I was experiencing. It just felt like a normal downtime. It wasn’t until my granddaughter advised a seniors’ evaluation that I realized what I was going through.

My grandfather seemed quiet out of nowhere. We were doing everything not to make him feel his life was over after he retired, but he just quit socializing. Unable to understand, we were recommended a mental health evaluation center, and here we are.

 

The above is a fictional conversation but represents several conversations psychologists face in their office.

Mental health, although getting considerable awareness than in the past, remains a taboo. And even though more and more adults are getting aware of the significance of an evaluation, seniors are usually ignored. But as an integral part of our society, the need to maintain the life balance of elderly individuals is important.

 

This blog gets into the detail of seniors’ evaluation in Florida, the benefits it entails, and possible treatment options for mental health help.

Let’s get started.

 

What Is Seniors’ Evaluation?

A senior evaluation addresses multiple mental health problems by going through a set of discussions, analyses, and tests. The evaluation starts with a history of mental health issues, initial screening tests, and a thorough discussion with the individual. The whole evaluation takes around 3 sessions, split into:

• 1^st session – Addressing the concerns.
• 2^nd session – Planning the assessment to clarify diagnosis and treatment plan.
• 3^rd session – Reviewing the results.

 

How Does Mental Health Assessment Help Seniors?

According to a past study, almost 45% of seniors suffer from one or another chronic illness. Some even have two to three physical conditions with an unattended mental disorder.

While physical issues are appropriately addressed given signs and symptoms, mental health issues in seniors are often kept in the back drawer. But there are several benefits of seniors’ evaluation to get mental health help for seniors.

 

#1 Adjustment with Age-Related Life Changes

Declining age presents several issues, most of whom you might be unable to understand. For example, it could be the fear of retirement, relocating to a nursing facility, or any other thought causing undue stress.

With a seniors’ evaluation, your therapist can evaluate the underlying issue causing you distress and the best way to deal with them.

 

#2 Physical Health Management

Physical health and mental health are tied in a loop. One rarely progresses without the other one in succession. With your mental health condition assessment, your physician and therapist can work together to design a care plan that works effectively.

Your therapist can also recommend health-promoting exercises for better mental and physical health.

 

#3 Advanced Care

Advanced care planning becomes easier with a mental health assessment in place. This includes preparing the family members of the condition and how to deal with it, as well as designing an individualized treatment plan to improve mental health.

 

#4 Post-Retirement Planning

Retirement can take a toll on mental health. In worst-case scenarios, it can lead to insomnia or anxiety. Evaluating and discussing the underlying issues helps in preparing the individual to deal with the post-retirement period.

This can include recommending positive activities to engage the mind and body to keep yourself physically and mentally fit.

 

Stress-Related Illness Treatments

Contrary to misconceptions, stress is NOT a feeling. Instead, it’s an in-built brain response to a possible threat. And when your brain responds to stress, so does your body.

So, stress leads to struggling with several physical health conditions, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Raynaud’s Disease
• Diabetes
• Shortness of breath

 

Since these are most often associated with stress, sometimes they don’t respond as much to pharmacological treatments. In some cases, patients are also worried about the side effects of medications, further intensifying the stress level. That’s why stress-related illness treatments can also be dealt with via a non-pharmacological approach. The options include Biofeedback, Neurofeedback therapy, among several others.

 

Final Thoughts

Despite all the challenges old age presents, it doesn’t have to be cumbersome for you to live your best life. But addressing the concerns is the first step towards a physically healthy and mentally stable lifestyle.

If you or a loved one are undergoing stress or anxiety and looking for a seniors’ evaluation in Florida, contact us at Central Florida Neuropsychology. We offer face-to-face sessions, along with online and phone sessions to facilitate your experience.