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We offer home health services at no cost to patients.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]According to some estimates, as many as one in five adults over the age of 60 are currently dealing with a neurological disorder or some other type of mental health illness. Unfortunately, mental diseases and mental illnesses in the elderly are chronically under-discussed and consistently underdiagnosed. In all too many cases, older adults who are dealing with psychological problems are unable to get the treatment and care that they need and that they deserve.
At United Energy Healthcare Workers, we are committed to providing the best free home healthcare services to qualified beneficiaries of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA) and the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA). We want to make sure that all families have the tools that they need to help their older loved ones who are dealing with mental diseases, psychological disorders, or other mental health issues. Here, we have compiled a guide with resources that you can use to better understand mental illness in the elderly so that you are able to take effective action to protect the health and well-being of your family member, which may entail pursuing EEOICPA and RECA benefits.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”2/3″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”100″][vc_column_text]
Table of Contents
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I. Defining Mental Illness in the Elderly
Mental diseases and psychological disorders in the elderly can sometimes be difficult to define. Here, we will explain what mental illness actually is and why mental health issues are such a problem for older adults.
- What Is Mental Illness
- Why Mental Illness Is Threatening the Elderly
- Elderly Mental Illness Statistics
II. Common Types of Mental Diseases in the Elderly
Mental health issues come in a wide range of different forms. To make matters even more challenging, many different conditions have similar symptoms and an older adult may be dealing with two (or more) mental health issues at the same time. Some of the most common mental health issues and topics that we will discuss include:
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- A Comparative Analysis Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
- Anxiety
- Social Phobia
- Bipolar Disorder
- Eating Disorders
- Schizophrenia
III. Symptoms and Signs of Mental Illness
Concerned friends and family members should always keep a close eye on their elderly loved ones. If you recognize any of these early warning signs of mental illness or mental disease, it is crucial that you take immediate action:
- Inability to Perform Daily Tasks
- Increased Sensitivity to Stimuli (touch, sight, smell, etc.)
- Nervousness
- Unusual Behavior
- Overly Tired or Irritable
- Inability to Cope with Stressful Situations
- Alcohol & Drug Abuse
- Sex Drive Decline
Physical Side Effects of Mental Disease
Many common mental diseases and psychological disorders have physical components. It is likely that there will be side effects — including some dangerous side effects — that are associated with the conditions.
- Heart Disease
- Increased Risk of Cancer
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Dislike for Medications
V. Social Side Effects of Mental Disease
Mental health issues frequently have an adverse social effect. Social isolation has been noted as a major contributing factor in cognitive decline. Mental health issues can also cause increased social isolation. Taken together, this can be a vicious circle for the elderly.
- Distancing from Family Members & Friends
- Forgetting Names and Faces
- Changes in Mood and Demeanor
- Irrational Anger or Sadness
- Inability to Communicate
VI. The Dangers of Mental Disability and Suicide
Mental diseases and psychological disorders are dangerous. Tragically, in far too many cases, these conditions can lead to reduced quality of life, depression, and even to suicide. If your older loved one is struggling with a mental illness, they need your help.
- Elderly Clinical Depression and How it Starts
- How Chronic Diseases Can Engender Suicidal Tendencies in the Elderly
- Suicide Prevention in the Elderly
VII. How Family Can Help their Elderly Relatives Who Have Mental Illness
If your elderly loved one is dealing with any type of mental health issue, there are things that you can do to assist them. Even if you have no medical training and you are struggling to understand their condition, you can offer much-needed love, support, and guidance.
- Encourage Taking Medication
- Be Persistent and Patient
- Consider Family Counseling
- Get More Education on Mental Illness
VIII. Conclusion
The most important takeaway: Always be proactive. If you or your family members are noticing any signs of mental disease and a mental health issue in your elderly loved one, it is crucial that you take immediate action to get them the help and support that they deserve. Resources are available.
- Resources
- Final Thoughts
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Who We Serve
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Do you have this card?
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If you already have this card, then you are already approved to receive no-cost medical benefits! Call us to get started today.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/2″][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”25″][vc_column_text]In order to be eligible for EEOICPA/RECA benefits, an individual must have been employed at a covered Department of Energy facility, an approved atomic weapons facility, or at a permitted beryllium vendor. An individual must also have one of the covered conditions as a result of exposure to radiation, beryllium, or silica while employed at an accepted facility. In addition, uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters are eligible for benefits if they develop an illness as a result of exposure to toxic substances (such as radiation, chemicals, solvents, acids, and metals) and worked at a facility covered under RECA. Eligibility requirements vary by location and condition.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]