Amol R Deshmukh, Founder and CEO, MedRabbits emphasises good general health and social care are important for promoting older people’s health, preventing disease, and managing chronic illnesses
As we navigate the passage of time, our healthcare requirements undergo a subtle transformation, especially as we enter the later stages of life. It transcends the realm of mere physical ailments, encompassing a multidimensional spectrum of needs. At this juncture, geriatric care takes on a central role, broadening its focus from the physical to the cognitive realm. It recognises that mental well-being is a fundamental cornerstone of senior health, embracing the holistic needs of individuals in their later years.
The global landscape is undergoing a profound shift; the elderly population is expanding. According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), over 20 per cent of adults aged 60 and above suffer from mental or neurological disorders, which impact their quality of life. This interplay between mental and physical health is the heart of geriatric care, shaping the twilight years of our lives. Mental illness in older adults can stem from various factors. Physical health issues like chronic illness or pain play a role, as do feelings of loss and grief due to the passing of loved ones. Isolation and loneliness, often linked to limited social connections or living alone, can heighten the risk.
Mental health problems are under-identified by healthcare professionals and older people themselves, and the stigma surrounding these conditions makes people reluctant to seek help.
A helping hand for everyday living
When we think of healthcare, the focus is often on medical treatments and therapies. However, in geriatric care, there is a profound need for a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the clinical. We need holistic perspectives. Good general health and social care are important for promoting older people’s health, preventing disease, and managing chronic illnesses. Training all health providers in working with issues and disorders related to aging is therefore important. Effective, community-level primary mental health care for older people is crucial. It is equally important to focus on the long-term care of older adults suffering from mental disorders, as well as to provide caregivers with education, training, and support. From assisting with daily meals to providing personal care and companionship, caregivers should bring skill, compassion, and reliability into the homes of seniors. We should recognise that maintaining dignity and independence is paramount, and caregivers should embody this philosophy in their every interaction.
Emotional support: A fundamental component
The significance of mental health in geriatric care cannot be overstated. Many seniors grapple with feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and even depression. For seniors dealing with mental health challenges, caregivers need to offer a compassionate listening ear and a caring presence. The relationships that develop between caregivers and seniors provide a profound sense of comfort and security, fostering mental well-being in the process. We need to change our perspective and firmly believe that tending to the emotional needs of our elderly loved ones is just as crucial as addressing their physical ailments.
Reducing stress through home-based care
The transition from the comfort of one’s home to a hospital or healthcare facility can be an incredibly stressful experience, especially for seniors. We need to put a strong emphasis on home-based care. Multiple studies, including research by the McMaster Health Forum in Canada, suggest that home care support can lead to better health outcomes for seniors. A home care setting can potentially improve patient satisfaction, reduce the likelihood of living in residential care, and even be more cost-effective than hospitalisation. Moreover, home care services can help seniors maintain their independence, which is often a significant concern as they age. We need to understand that there is no place like home, and being in familiar surroundings can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. By delivering care in the comfort of their own homes, we indirectly contribute to improved mental well-being among seniors. This approach allows our elderly loved ones to remain in an environment they are accustomed to, minimising the stress often associated with hospital stays. We should promote a sense of calm and reassurance which is an integral part of our geriatric care philosophy.
24-hour attendant care: Uninterrupted support
Geriatric care often demands round-the-clock attention. Commitment to ensuring the well-being of seniors goes beyond regular business hours. There is a need to offer 24-hour attendant care to provide uninterrupted support because healthcare needs do not adhere to a schedule. This accessibility ensures that assistance is always readily available, reducing anxiety and stress not only for seniors but also for their families. Our goal is to provide peace of mind, knowing that our elderly loved ones are cared for, no matter the hour.
Our approach to geriatric care is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the mental well-being of seniors. While medical treatments and therapies are undoubtedly vital, we believe that holistic care must encompass emotional support, stress reduction, and uninterrupted assistance. Caregivers are not just healthcare providers; they are companions who bring comfort, dignity, and peace into the lives of seniors.
In the realm of geriatric care, enhancing mental well-being is not an option; it is a fundamental necessity. We need to prioritise not only their physical health but also their emotional and mental well-being. Together, we can ensure that our seniors age gracefully, surrounded by compassion and the highest quality of care.
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