The Psychological Effects of Long Term Care on the Elderly

Elderly in long-term care often have psychological needs related to aging and life events associated with growing older. Caregivers must be aware that not all issues related to a person's mental health are within the individual's control. There are often physical concerns that affect the brain and direct how people have emotional coping skills.

Senile Dementia, Stroke and Alzheimer's Disease

• Senile dementia is a loss of intellectual capacity in the elderly. Dementia includes various neurological diseases. Alzheimer's disease is the predominant form of dementia, caused when abnormal proteins invade the brain. The disease leads to progressive forgetfulness, confusion and loss of awareness. Vascular dementia is a caused by a series of small strokes that damage the blood vessels in the brain. Parkinson's and Lewy Body Disease are also ailments that involve abnormal proteins in the brain, like Alzheimer's, and result in dementia and loss of intellectual, emotional and physical ability. Depression is a common side effect of these disorders.

Depression

• Elderly in long-term care often suffer from depression. Depression is defined as a depressed mood, feelings of low self-worth, insomnia, low energy and poor concentration. Depression can develop for a number of reasons related to long-term care, such as when older persons lose daily contact with family members or become frustrated by a limited control over their health and environment.

Loneliness

• Elderly in long-term care have almost always suffered major losses. The loss of significant relationships through death of a spouse, relatives, friends or even pets can be difficult for anyone. The elderly are especially susceptible to loneliness, as their long-term care environments can often remind them of their own mortality. Also, the sense of loss through physical relocation---where the places and people are unfamiliar---can be just as difficult for an older person. Unfamiliarity with a long-term care residence can heighten anxiety and the feeling of being uprooted from home and having to part with possessions.

Guilt

• For many elderly, the loss of being in the caregiver role to others may make them feel useless or worthless, especially in cases where the adult must rely on someone else to address their basic needs, a reality of daily life for many elderly in facilities. The role reversal is especially hard for those who have had lifelong caregiver roles, such as a full-time mother and homemaker, before having to enter long-term care.

Anger

• Feelings of abandonment and their own limited mobility may cause irritation and anger in some older persons. Elderly in long-term care may feel frustration at needing assistance at what once were simple tasks or when the elderly perceive that caregivers are treating them as fragile or unstable individuals.

Joy

• Do not negate the possibility of joy for the elderly in long-term care. A care staff that is sensitive, attentive and proactive about keeping individuals engaged in social activities can help minimize the impact of loss and loneliness that the elderly often suffer. Social programs such as scout, church, or school groups that visit the care facility can also help keep an older person connected to the community. Pet programs give elderly persons in long-term care companionship. Gardening, if only in a container, can give a sense of responsibility and purpose in the face of mental or physical deterioration.