Senior Depression - Mental Health Services in Long-Term Care Facilities

  For seniors who live independently, mental health is largely dependent on their capacity for self awareness and their willingness to seek appropriate care. For those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, the situation is a little more tenuous. As the numbers show, depressive and behavioral disorders are prevalent in these settings. In addition to the usual stresses associated with aging, such as loss of loved ones, physical deterioration, and fears related to death, seniors in long-term care facilities often struggle with increased isolation and debilitating physical ailments, which can exacerbate latent mental issues. Since residents of senior facilities are often in poor health and have decreased cognitive functioning, it`s not always easy to evaluate and treat these individuals.

How Medicare Helps Seniors with Depression The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 stipulated screenings for mental illness and the reduced use of physical and chemical restraints. As part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), this law mandated some pivotal changes in nursing home care https://mentalhealthwellnessnow.com/, emphasizing quality of life. In 1990, Congress responded by revising the Medicare laws, specifying beneficiaries will receive mental health care, if needed. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover blanket screening procedures. This renders it virtually impossible to uncover hidden symptoms that residents sometimes hide to avoid stress and shame. In 2002, however, Medicare recognized the value of psychological services coinciding with the management of medical conditions. I translate this as such: if you're already physically very ill, your mental health is important. If depression or mental illness is detected, and a doctor refers the resident to a psychiatrist, Medicare will cover 50 percent of the approved amount. This is a hefty co-payment, especially in relation to the 80 percent Medicare covers for doctor;s office visits.

I think it;s safe to say navigating through the Medicare system can be a little confusing. Treating Depression in Long-term Care Facilities Several organizations have emerged to bridge the gap between mental health and long term care. VeriCare, for example, partners with skilled nursing and other residential facilities to create programs tailored to their residents; needs. This company, founded shortly after the Nursing Home Reform Act, improves compliance with OBRA standards and provides behavioral and mental health services unavailable in most long-term care settings. In searching for a long-term care facility, a process Gilbert Guide simplifies, it may be wise to inquire as to what mental health systems they have in place. With over 50 percent of nursing home residents exhibiting signs of depression and under 5 percent of those individuals receiving treatment, it;s crucial to plan ahead. I certainly wouldn't choose a home for my grandmother if her physical health might be jeopardized. I;m even more hesitant to choose a place that doesn't recognize her mental well being as equally important.

What is the purpose of life? The only purpose that makes rational sense is to express love to all living entities. All other purposes are bound to be selfish, with a "getting" motive attached. The experience of true love seems to happen rarely on our planet, as indicated by the negative conditions of people and situations worldwide. The quality of our well-being and mental health depends on our willingness to express love to the life around us.

Many may be shocked to discover that true love is not a personal resource. I have no love of my own, nor do you, or anyone else. There is only one way we can express true love to the life around us, that is by consistently acting on what is truly right.

Here is another shocker; to act rightly a person cannot be acting selfishly. That means that he or she cannot be acting from a selfish or self-seeking intention. It means that a person cannot be in a selfish controlling or manipulative mode, and cannot be acting to get something for self.

The expression of true love requires that our intentions be pure; that we be sincerely will to give with no strings attached. We must also be willing to act in lovingly responsible ways, which includes being willing to express truth as we know it in appropriate ways. In a selfish environment, the expression of truth can sometimes be dangerous so discretion is in order.

At the heart of the process of expressing true love is a sincere willingness to express love. Without that willingness, whatever comes forth shall be some form of selfish action.

Here is an analogy:

Think of a human being as a "garden hose," and his or her will as the "faucet" attached to the side of a house. The "water" is love.

In order for us to experience or express love, we must open our personal "faucet" (will) and be willing to allow water to flow (express love). When we are willing to express love, "water" flows through us and we feel good (we experience love). In addition, those around us get "wet" (are loved).

On the other hand, when we selfishly and defiantly refuse to express love, we keep our personal "faucet" shut so that no "water" can flow through us. Like an unused garden hose left out in the sun, it soon dries out and begins to decay.

The expression of love is vital to every person's well-being. []

Neil Mastellone, working with his co-researcher Jean Mastellone, has been actively investigating the causes of negative human behavior.

Know why mental health is important for every individual. Also know why mental health disorders are caused, what are their consequences and how can they be treated.

Many people avoid getting help for depression or other mental health disorders due to embarrassment or an outdated fear of being stigmatized. Economic Status or Legal Status are important aspects determining the standing of a human being. Being a social animal, a man's standing in the society is determined by many things, including his mentally stability. This is where Mental Health is critical to a person and much the same way how he would spend time in earning money, time also needs to be spent to tend to any rough edges in his mental health. Seeking assistance when necessary is increasingly understood in our society as a wise and mature decision.

Let's look at an example. An individual is so rich that he owns large areas of real estate in Florida. To add to his luxury he has his own charter fleet of helicopters. In spite of having an embarrassment of riches, he still continues to be alienated from the society. The only possible reason I can see is that the individual suffers from a mental health disorder. This can include depression, anxiety, personality disorders, etc. In fact, Howard Hughes cut himself off from everyone later in his life most likely due to untreated phobias and depression.

What are the causes of Mental Health Disorders?

Mental Health Disorders are caused due to a variety of reasons. An individual can experience a mental health disorder for the first time due to a tragic event, long term neglect or abuse, a genetic pre-disposition to depression, or even a brain disorder that is medical in nature. The results vary widely and may need a professional to help diagnose and treat, but the most common mental health issue is depression and is experienced by everyone at least once in their lifetime. Those with a genetic pre-disposition to depression or another affective disorder like bipolar disorder, will have multiple incidents and usually require some form of treatment.

What are the consequences of Mental Health Disorders?

The consequences of untreated mental health disorders can be extremely damaging for an individual. At every stage of depression, the individual continues to behave less like themselves. They become more sedentary, less social, thinking it difficult to think clearly and in extreme cases may develop paranoid ideas. In all these scenarios, society tends to keep away from these individuals when perhaps they need others most.

Who are affected by the Mental Health Disorder?

Almost everyone will experience some form of mental health issue during their lifetime. It may be common depression, alcohol or substance abuse, relationship problems, post-traumatic stress or perhaps a more serious chemical or brain disorder. Apart from the individual, the next set of people who are impacted by this are the care-givers and the family members of the individual.

How can a Mental Health Disorder be treated?

One of the most effective methods to treat a mental health disorder is to seek the consultation of a mental health professional or family doctor. Mental health therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists and one's family and social network play a big role in treating an individual suffering from a mental health disorder.

Mental Health cannot be compromised by any individual at any cost. One does not need to take drugs or medication to keep it fit and fine, but should be considered when prescribed by a professional as part of a treatment plan. Recognizing these issues early can speed up recovery as long as one takes steps to deal with their mental health like one would with their physical or financial health. Society has evolved to no longer stigmatize those who seek help and perhaps have come to respect their willingness to deal with these problems head on.