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There is no doubt th=
at
home health care is invaluable to the physical health of those who receive =
services.
Study after study has revealed that home health services reduce hospital
readmissions, help improve the management of chronic diseases, and improve
patient engagement, among other benefits.
But
one benefit of home health that’s often overlooked is the effect that it can
have on seniors’ mental health. Clinical depression is common among the
elderly; in fact, the suicide rate for men between the ages of 80 and 84 is
actually twice the national average.
Yet
despite the prevalence of depression among older adults, only a small
percentage (about 10 percent) actually receive treatment for their symptoms.
Often this is due to the natural effects of aging masking depression sympto=
ms —
and the fact that many family caregivers aren’t always aware that their lov=
ed
ones are struggling with their mental health.
Because
home health care providers are on the front lines of caring for this vulner=
able
population, they are often the first to identify the signs of an issue and
recommend that the patient and/or his or her family take action. But even
beyond the ability to spot mental health issues before they become serious,
home health care providers help fill an important role in a patient’s life,
providing companionship and care during a time when many people begin to fe=
el
isolated and lonely.
In
2012, a study in the Archives of Internal Medici=
ne revealed that people who reported
feeling lonely were at a significantly higher risk of death than those who
don’t — and that 43 percent of people over age 60 report feeling lonely.
Loneliness
in senior citizens is attributable to a number of factors. The loss of spou=
ses,
friends, and other loved ones can shrink a social circle. Limited mobility,
cognitive decline, and other health issues can lead many people to remain
isolated at home. Simply put, many older adults, especially those who are
disabled or ill, don’t have the same social lives they once had. And when y=
ou
add in the potential for depression due to other factors, including illness,
medications, and physical changes, the consequences can be devastating.
Therefore,
maintaining connections and personal relationships is very important for
seniors. Home health care providers can actually serve as a lifeline for th=
eir
clients, giving them the social interaction that they need in addition to
caring for their physical needs. As a home health agency, it’s important th=
at
you train your employees to build relationships with clients, and get to kn=
ow
them as people in addition to meeting their physical needs.
Some
of the more specific ways that your team can help improve your clients’ men=
tal
health include:
Engage in conversation.
What are clients interested in? Discussing books, TV, or movies, or even ju=
st
encouraging them to reminisce can help provide a necessary connection.
Share a meal. It’s
not always practical, but encourage your staff to share a meal with their
patients when possible. Not only does research show that home care patients=
eat
better when they have company, but it gives you a chance to connect through
conversation.
Play a game. Playing
a board game, cards, or doing puzzles together provides mental stimulation =
and
helps older adults remain sharp, and also adds something enjoyable to the d=
ay.
Read. For
patients with visual issues, reading to or with them can help stimulate bra=
in
activity. Reading together also gives you something to talk about.
Home
health providers should be well versed in the signs of potential mental ill=
ness
in seniors, in particular depression and anxiety, as well as the warning si=
gns
of suicide. Because sometimes the symptoms of an underlying medical conditi=
on
can mimic the signs of mental illness, it’s important to be alert to change=
s in
behavior, and add detailed notes to patient files in the home health software. Communicate concer=
ns to
family members and providers early and often. Doing so could save a life.
As
a home health agency, you are on the front line of ensuring that your clien=
ts
are as healthy as possible and that they receive the best care possible. Th=
is
means caring for the whole patient, and paying attention to mental health as
well as physical. Know the risks, take the time to get to know your clients,
and build strong relationships, and you can help lessen the loneliness and
isolation that affects so many seniors.
To
learn more about software that can help your agency better manage all aspec=
ts
of patient care, click here.