Have you noticed a change in your elderly parent’s behavior? Has their attitude or demeanor concerned you? Do you have an elderly loved one or neighbor that seems to be struggling with their mental health? Holidays can be stressful for many of us, but the elderly can be particularly vulnerable to depression due to poor health, isolation, or cognitive impairment. And with the added stress of a disruptive pandemic, there may be cause for real concern.
Depression and anxiety are not an intrinsic part of the aging process. If your aging parent or loved one suffers from depression, anxiety, dementia, and other mental disorders, these conditions can be treated. In fact, the elderly population can benefit from treatment as much as a younger person. A geriatric psychiatrist may be the right choice for your loved one to improve their quality of life and find relief from unnecessary suffering.
Geriatric psychiatry is the specialty in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in the elderly. Common disorders in late-life patients include dementia, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and sleep disorders. Geriatric psychiatrists create treatment plans that address the physical, emotional, and social care needs unique to elderly patients to improve their quality of life and relieve their symptoms.
A geriatric psychiatrist can help your parent better manage common issues that many aging seniors face, including:
A mental health professional with experience working with elderly patients may be a key addition to your loved one’s care team. Research has shown that mental illness is often undiagnosed among seniors. An elderly adult’s symptoms are often associated with physical illnesses, can be more subtle, confused with the natural aging process, or overlap. Sometimes symptoms may be challenging to identify as an elderly patient’s overall health issues become more complex. As a caregiver, be diligent about observing their symptoms and communicating changes in behavior to their healthcare professionals.
Treatments are as unique as the individual. Among the senior population, the most used forms of therapies include psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy, self-help or support groups, stress management, and medications such as antidepressants. Some seniors find relief through music therapy, art therapy, and even the use of exercise to lift their mood. And a combination of these treatments may be prescribed to a patient.
Seniors with the same condition will have varying treatments. Getting to the correct diagnosis and course of treatment may take some time, along with trial and error. A senior’s mental health or ability to cope may change over time with changes in their physical health or outside factors that impact their mood or confidence. Medications may be processed by the body differently due to physical changes or interact with other medications. But the good news is mental illness in elderly adults is treatable, and their quality of life can improve.
Collectively, the world has been feeling the strain of the pandemic. But the elderly population is particularly vulnerable to the illness, which can pile on even more stress and anxiety. This global health crisis has disrupted the daily lives of many seniors and limited access to support services. And for a population that already may have limited interactions, social distancing can cause further isolation.
It’s important to support your aging loved ones during this uncertain time. Regular communication is key to understanding how they feel and if they are experiencing any mental health issues, like depression or anxiety. Fortunately, your loved one or parent can find support without even leaving the house. With access to telemedicine, mental healthcare professionals are available to video-chat or talk over the phone if your loved one is struggling. Living alone doesn’t mean your older loved one’s mental health has to suffer. As a caregiver, you can be instrumental in helping them adjust during these unprecedented times.
Many seniors are reluctant to seek the help of a psychiatrist. They may have an outdated opinion about psychiatric treatments and the stigma that often goes with it. This negative perception may be a deterrent from getting the help that they need. Often the spotlight (and fear) falls on issues such as Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, but there are also treatable issues that should not go overlooked, like anxiety and depression. But it’s not without challenges. Older adults can be less likely to want to discuss their feelings and mental state. They may see it as a weakness or moral failure, something they can handle on their own, or just part of the aging process. Sometimes, they may feel like they don’t want to bother or burden anyone or are simply too embarrassed. Many seniors also fear that if they admit to a mental illness that it will result in a loss of independence. Be patient and reassuring with your loved one. They may be anxious to reveal how they are feeling or what they are experiencing. Be proactive when it comes to their mental health. Early intervention can change their life.
As their caregiver, consult with your loved one’s primary care doctor if you are concerned about their mental and emotional health. Their doctor can recommend a geriatric psychiatrist, who can help your loved one adapt to and manage the changes in their life. Also, the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation has an online resource to find a geriatric psychiatrist within your city, who is a member of the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. Your loved one shouldn’t needlessly suffer from mental health and emotional issues. Support is available that can help them focus on their physical health, reduce their stress, and improve their overall quality of life.
If you would like a local reference for a geriatric psychiatrist to assist your loved one, contact one of our Aegis Living communities near you and ask to speak with our Health Services Director who can help.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.