Elderly Mental Health Concerns And Care Planning

According to the World Health Organization, over 20% of adults over the age of 60 suffer from a neurological or mental disorder. If you have mental health concerns about an elderly loved one, it can be terrifying. If you are struggling with an aging loved one and have elderly mental health concerns, our elder law attorneys at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, have over 100 years of combined experience assisting clients and their elderly loved ones with mental health and care planning in Westchester County.

Elder Mental Health Risk Factors

We all experience stress in our lives. But there are several and significant stressors that aging adults face that can contribute to mental health disorders. These include:

• Chronic pain, coping with illness or long-term health problems
• Reduced mobility and inactivity
• A loss in identity due to retirement
• Bereavement and the loss of friends or loved ones

Older adults can also be vulnerable to abuse. Verbal, psychological and financial abuse are all common forms of elder abuse that can contribute to the mental health conditions of our aging population.

Mental Disorders In Seniors

While senior citizens get a lot of support from social connections and their personal relationships with family members and loved ones, if those connections are disrupted they can spiral into loneliness and isolation. Common mental health disorders in the elderly include:

• Dementia
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse

Signs that your aging loved ones are experiencing a mental health crisis can include confusion, social isolation, a loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and changes in their appetite or personal hygiene tasks.

Elderly Mental Health And Care Planning

Staying connected with our elderly loved ones is important. Getting them the support and help they need can be critical. Our elder law attorneys at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, help their clients plan ahead and ensure that all of the necessary estate documents are in order to protect their assets from financial abuse. They can also help prepare and establish guardianship if your loved one has become incapacitated and incapable of making decisions on their own.

Call Today And Let Us Help

We want to help you navigate this difficult time of transition. Our elder law attorneys are available by appointment. To schedule a consultation, call our office at 914-269-2367 or send an email through our online form. We look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help you.