“Depression and anxiety are common among the elderly, but not intrinsic to aging,” says Dr. Rahul Khurana, MD. “It is as treatable in the older population, as it is in the young.”
Aegis Living has has had the privilege to work with Dr. Rahul Khurana, M.D. to provide geriatric psychiatry to our Washington residents. His goal is to maximize the quality of life and functionality for aging residents who may be suffering from depression, anxiety, dementia and other mental disorders. Perhaps your aging loved one can benefit and find comfort by consulting with a geriatric psychiatrist to improve their quality of life and find relief from unnecessary suffering.
A geriatric psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in older patients. Geriatric psychiatry treat common disorders in the elderly that include dementia, depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and sleep disorders. Geriatric psychiatrists create comprehensive treatment plans that address the physical, emotional, and social needs of an older patient to improve their quality of life.
There are many issues that can occur in older patients that a geriatric psychiatrist can help them adapt to and manage:
The geriatric psychiatrist will start with a complete family history of the patient’s health, family support, where they live, and their mental status. Because older patients often suffer from multiple physical issues or illnesses, as well as mental and emotional issues, geriatric psychologist’s approach is to treat the “whole person” – understand their history, current health issues, and new behaviors.
Emotional and mental issues can affect the family members of patients. A geriatric psychiatrist can often recommend resources, education, and services to support the spouse and family members. They also work with other healthcare providers to recommend an individualized psychiatric care plans in coordination with the resident’s primary care physician, healthcare professionals, and family members to help the resident improve their quality of life and relieve suffering.
The Geriatric Mental Health Foundation has an online resource to find a geriatric psychiatrist who is a member of the American Association of Geriatric Psychiatry. Search by your city here.
When you are looking at the overall healthcare and well-being of your aging parent, you may want to consult your parent’s geriatrician or primary care doctor about their mental and emotional health. A geriatric psychiatrist may be able to greatly reduce stress and help your loved one adapt to the changes in their lives. This will allow your parent to better focus on their physical health and add to their quality of life.
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.