Why Home Health Care is So Essential to Older Adult’s Mental Health

Understandably, home health care service is vital to the physical health of those who receive it. Home health services help reduce hospital readmissions, enhance the management of chronic diseases, and improve patient engagement, among other advantages.

But one benefit of home healthcare that is often overlooked is the effect that it can have on patients’ mental health, especially on older adults. Clinical depression is quite common among the elderly. Despite the prevalence of depression among older adults, only a few actually receive home health care for mental illness

Sometimes it is due to the natural effects of aging masking anxiety and depression symptoms and the fact that many family caregivers are not aware that their loved ones are struggling with their mental health.

How Home Health Care Providers Help Older Adults?

Home health care providers are often the first to identify the signs of a mental health issue. But beyond the ability to spot mental illness before they become severe, home health care providers help fill an essential role in a patient's life, offering companionship and care when patients begin to feel isolated and lonely.

Loneliness in seniors is attributable to several factors. The loss of spouses, friends, and other loved ones can shrink their social circle. Besides, limited mobility, cognitive decline, and other health issues can lead many people to remain isolated at home. The social lives of many older adults, especially those who are ill or disabled, don’t remain the same. Also, when you add in the potential for mental illness due to other factors, such as medication and physical changes, the consequences can be destructive.

Thus, it is essential to maintain connections and personal relationships with older adults. Home health care providers serve as a lifeline for these people.

Here are some ways that home health care professionals can help improve older adults' mental health.

1. Engage in Conversation

The home health care provider will discuss the topics the client is interested in. They can talk about books, movies or TV shows.

2. Have a Meal Together

Generally, home care patients, especially the elderly and kids, eat better when they have company. Also, it gives the patient or healthcare provider a chance to connect through conversation.

3. Exercise

Home health care providers can encourage the patient to perform physical activity, if possible. A short walk outside for some fresh air can provide a change in perspective and help enhance health.

4. Play a Game

Playing a board game, cards, or doing puzzles together offers mental stimulation and helps older adults remain sharp.

It is quite obvious that every individual is different, but taking the time to engage the whole person and do more than just address mental health issues can help keep the loneliness at bay. Home health care professionals are knowledgeable about the potential signs of mental illness in older adults, particularly depression and anxiety.