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Prioritising Elderly Mental Health

Promoting well-being and happiness in later life

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New Age Care are committed to enhancing the mental health and well-being of our elderly
customers and the wider community.
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We all know the importance of maintaining our physical health (exercising, eating well, getting plenty of sleep) but maintaining your mental health is just as important. Too often negative feelings are dismissed and not dealt with, often making things worse. Mental health has a knock on affect in all areas of your life, so acting quickly and not ignoring the signs is vital.

Our elderly mental health page will help you:
  • Recognise the signs and symptoms of a mental health issue,
  • Show you factors that can affect an older person’s mental health
  • Give you tips to improve your mental health.
  • Give you ideas on how you can help someone with a mental health issue.
Scroll down and find out more 
We hope you find this page useful!

Signs or symptoms of a mental health issue

Recognising that you may have a mental health issue can be difficult. Age UK’s ‘Mental Health
Matters’ guide has a very comprehensive list to help you identify if you may have an issue.
Changes to your mood:

Feeling Low

Feeling irritable, restless or tense

Feeling like bad things will happen to you or your loved ones

Feeling isolated

Feeling Numb

Feeling guilty, worthless or hopeless

Feeling tired all the time

Worrying a lot and not being able to relax

Changes within your body:

Having physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
Getting pins and needles a lot
Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated
Breathing faster than usual
Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or sick

Having a fast, thumping or irregular heartbeat

Having a fast, thumping or irregular heartbeat

Sweating or experiencing hot flushes

Having panic attacks (sudden, intense bouts of anxiety or fear).
Changes in what you do:
Avoiding social activities.
Having trouble speaking or thinking clearly, or making decisions.
 Taking less care of your appearance.
Eating or sleeping more (or less) than usual.
Drinking more alcohol than usual.

What can affect an older person's mental health?

There are lots of things that can affect an older person’s mental health and here are some of the more common reasons. However, there may not be an obvious reason, and that’s okay too!

Retirement

Work often gives us a sense of purpose and provides much of our social interaction. When this disappears some people can feel lost leading to a mental health issue.

Social Isolation

Loneliness and isolation can have a significant impact on an elderly person's mental health. While this can happen at any age there are many reasons it can be more prevalent in the elderly. Retirement, the death of friends, illness and mobility issues can all impact your desire and ability to get out and about and having a knock on effect on your mental well-being..

Physical Health

Physical health problems can also affect mental well-being. Long term illnesses can be physically and mentally draining, while mobility issues can limit what you are able to do. These can play on a play on your mind and lead to anxiety and depression.

Bereavement

Coping with the loss of a partner, family member or friend can be extremely difficult and affect your mental state. There is no time limit on grief so take your time processing the loss.

Financial Stress

Worries about money and bills can also lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Cognitive Decline

Age-related cognitive decline can also affect mental health. It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Time Of The year

The time of year can also affect someone’s mental health. People’s moods can be affected by the seasons, such as during winter, when it’s cold and dark. This is called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and can cause a type of depression.

Tips for Improving your mental health

Stay Connected

The time of year can also affect someone’s mental health. People’s moods can be affected by the seasons, such as during winter, when it’s cold and dark. This is called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) and can cause a type of depression.

Talk about your concerns

Talk to your family and friends about your worries and how they are making you feel. If you don’t feel comfortable seek professional help (see below).
couple working out finances

Exercise

Exercise is known to have numerous benefits not only physically but mentally. Choose activities based on your capabilities and enjoyment and do these regularly. Walking, yoga, or dancing are all good examples.

Sleep

A good nights sleep can make a world of difference to your mental state. It allows your mind to rest and rejuvenate and can often put your problems in a different light. Avoid coffee, alcohol and eating just before bed as it can affect sleep. You can also try listening to relaxing music or a meditation just before bed to help your mind relax.

Engage in meaningful activities

Activities that bring joy and a sense of purpose are crucial to your mental health. Engage regularly in hobbies or interests you are passionate about or try new activities to uncover new passions.

Engage in mentally stimulating activities

Keeping your mind active by engaging in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, puzzles and games, can be great for your mental health. You could also try learning something new.

Seek Professional Help

If your mental health is deteriorating, don't hesitate to contact a health care professional. Your Doctor is a good starting point or there are counsellors, psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups who can provide valuable assistance. See our next section below for a range of helpful links .
Elderly mental health is just as important as physical health. 

Don’t ignore the early signs but rather act and seek the help of the people around you or a professional.

Mental Health Support

Sign posting and Helpful links

There are many organisations who may be able to help you with your mental health. Here are a few:

Samaritans

Available to talk 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Mind

Open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday 
(except for bank holidays)

Anxiety UK

(open Mon-Fri 10:30-16:30)

Age UK

(open 7 days a week 8am-7pm)

Silverline

(open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Find Warm Hubs 

Warm Hubs are open at various times
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(Lissa)

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"I recently had the pleasure of appointing New Age Care for my aunt’s in-home care needs. From the initial consultation to the day-to-day care provided, I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism and compassion shown by the staff. 

The care coordinators were attentive and responsive to our needs, and the caregivers were kind, patient, and attentive to my aunt’s well-being. I highly recommend New Age Care for anyone in need of in-home care services. Thank you for the excellent care and support!"

(Aakanksha)

"Thank you for all my support since I came out of hospital.
Amazing care, kindness, thoughtful and helpful."

(Rosemary)
"Excellent service, very attuned to older generation needs and requirements, like my 95 year old mother."

(Mr Etherington)
"I don’t know how I would of got through the tough times I’ve had just lately if it wasn’t for being put in touch with New Age Care. This team have been amazing after being thrown in the deep end by myself needing care for my mother.

They tended to all my mums needs and at times that wasn’t easy I can assure you. My mum has been in a nursing home for a few weeks and it isn’t working out for her.
I have stood my ground as I want New Age Care back in the POC for my mum. I have had to fight for this but I know they are the right care company for all the help needs my mum will want support with. They weren’t just carers they were more like an extended family.
Thank you New Age Care"

(Beverly)
We are now working to ensure we incorporate the requirements to meet the rating of outstanding criteria for the CQC 5 Domains. We use the CQC guidance to ensure we meet the requirements for the relevant domain. 

In conjunction with the guidance and our own high standards, we have made strides in becoming a proactive business that identifies change, to improve the standard of care we deliver.
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