|
General Tips
|
-
Whenever a doctor has a treatment plan prescribed, make sure to follow it.
- Keep track of any potential side effects.
-
Talking to older adults about mental health can be challenging. Try the following:
- Communicate openly and often.
- Be patient.
- Focus on the physical ("I've noticed you haven't been sleeping well.")
- Use "I" statements ("I'm worried because I haven't seen you gardening for a few weeks.")
- Listen without judging/trying to fix the problem.
- Validate their feelings. Try to make them feel understood.
- Always stay calm, empathetic, and rational.
-
Encourage healthy habits such as:
- Exercise
- Staying hydrated
- Eating a balanced diet
- A regular sleep schedule (aim for 7-9 hours/night)
|
|
Depression and Anxiety
|
-
Suggest physical activity (walking, biking, swimming, gardening, other activities)
-
Suggest/participate in activities they enjoy (card games, reading, puzzles, other
activities)
-
Watch for signs of suicide:
- Talking about wanting to die or being a burden
- Feeling more hopeless, sad, or anxious
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Extreme mood swings
- Changes in eating/sleeping patterns
-
For anxiety:
- Avoid stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, other stimulants)
- Avoid situations that are known stressors
|
|
Substance Use Disorders (SUDs)
|
-
Know the signs of substance use disorders:
- Unexplained injuries
- Mood swings
- Cognitive impairment
- Excessive amount of alcohol/prescription bottles
-
Encourage social engagement that does not include substance use.
-
If you know there are opioids in the house:
-
Keep medications in a safe location out of sight.
-
Monitor medication to make sure it is being taken as directed.
-
If there is unused medication, drop it off at a Take
Back location.
-
Know the signs of opioid overdose. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately. Signs
include:
- Clammy face
- Vomiting
- Limp body
- Difficulty waking or speaking
- Slow/stopped breathing or heartbeat
-
When working with people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and an SUD:
- Make sure you have their attention before giving them information.
- Present one concept at a time. Wait for recognition before you move on.
- Provide external reminders/alerts to stick to routines.
|
|
Schizophrenia/Psychotic Disorders
|
-
Ensure they are taking any medications as prescribed.
-
If they are experiencing an episode of psychosis or something similar, try to stabilize the
situation and then get professional help ASAP. To stabilize the situation:
- Speak in a calm, quiet voice.
- Keep instructions/explanations clear and simple.
- Validate their feelings instead of downplaying their delusions.
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Avoid physical touch (if it is necessary, ask for permission first).
- Do not argue with them.
- Discuss the situation with third parties quietly and out of earshot.
|
|
Bipolar Disorder
|
-
Recognize early warning signs of both mania and depression.
- Mania: Good mood, lack of sleep, speaking quickly, or other manic behavior
- Depression: Low mood, fatigue, trouble sleeping, or other depressive behavior
-
Monitor medications to make sure they are being taken as directed.
-
Stress can trigger mood episodes. Regularly suggest relaxation techniques such as:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Deep breathing
- Listening to calming music
- Personal enjoyment activities (reading, painting, walking, other activities)
|
|
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
|
-
Make a plan ahead of time for what to do if symptoms flare up. This could include contacting
mental health providers or practicing coping skills.
-
To combat social withdrawal, plan activities to do together (going to a movie, taking a
walk, visiting friends, other activities)
-
For angry or violent behavior, set up a time-out system:
-
Agree that either person can call a time-out at any time. Decide on a word or signal
used to call the time-out.
-
When a time-out is called, discussion ends right away.
-
Decide when you will come back from the time-out. Use the time-out to brainstorm
solutions.
-
After the time-out, take turns talking about solutions.
-
Be open to the other person's ideas and focus on things you both think will work.
|
|
Dementia/Cognitive Disorders
|
-
Keep a list of their medications, including why it was prescribed, when to take it, and how
much to take.
-
To prevent anxiety/agitation:
-
Remove stressors in the environment. This could include moving them to a quiet
place, offering a security object, and/or letting them rest.
-
Avoid environmental triggers like noise and glare.
-
Keep them physically comfortable by checking for pain, hunger, thirst, bathroom
needs, fatigue, skin irritations, and room temperature.
-
Listen to fears, threats, and frustrations with empathy.
-
Keep tasks and routines simple.
-
To respond to anxiety/agitation:
-
Listen to find out what is causing the agitation.
-
Slow down and ask permission before you do anything.
-
Speak in a reassuring manner.
-
Do not corner, crowd, restrain, criticize, ignore, or argue with the person.
-
Do not raise your voice, show alarm, or make sudden movements.
-
Give them guided choices between two options.
-
Offer activities to divert attention away from the anxiety (art, music, cooking,
going for a car ride, other activities).
-
Decrease noise and distractions or relocate.
-
To help them maintain a healthy diet:
-
Offer healthy food choices they like and can eat.
-
Offer smaller but more frequent meals/snacks.
-
If you are concerned that they are not eating enough, sweeten food with honey or
syrup.
-
Serve meals on a consistent schedule in a familiar place.
-
Keep eating area quiet and distraction-free.
-
Give them plenty of time to finish their meal but don't push.
-
Offer one food at a time.
-
Cut food into small pieces and make it soft enough to eat easily.
-
Allow them to feed themselves if able.
|
|
Chronic Pain
|
- Instead of giving advice, focus on listening, learning, and validating what they feel.
- Encourage gentle physical activity.
- Encourage them to participate in social and family events.
|
