What are the most common psychiatric disorders of the homebound elderly?
The high burden of psychiatric illness in our homebound population was further evidenced by the widespread use of psychiatric medications (See Table 2). Fourteen percent of patients were being treated by their PCP with medication for dementia, of which 45% were concurrently taking an antipsychotic or anticonvulsant medication.
What kind of Doctor takes care of homebound elders?
As the number of homebound elderly increases, so will the need for medical professionals who can treat the homebound elders’ medical and psychiatric problems. As evidence shows, heart disease, circulatory problems, dementia, and depression are the main health conditions contributing to the need for homecare among the elderly.
What is a homebound person with a disability?
Up to 3.6 million of these people are considered housebound and in need of home-based care. Although homebound status is not defined specifically, with a broad range of disability levels, it is evident that peop … Physical and mental health of homebound older adults: an overlooked population J Am Geriatr Soc. 2010 Dec;58(12) :2423-8. doi ...
What are the health risks of homebound older adults?
The treatment for those who are housebound often includes antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications. But it also calls for an exploration of the uncontrolled psychological turmoil in their...
How do you care for a mentally ill person?
Caring for Patients With Mental Health ProblemsAssess a patient's mental state.Establish good communication with the patient.Build a relationship with the patient.Use language that shows consideration.Provide sensitive patient-centered care.Consult with knowledgeable mental health professionals.More items...•Apr 4, 2017
Who are the professionals who can help someone with a mental illness disorder?
These mental health professionals may also help assess and diagnosis mental health conditions.Psychologists. ... Counselors, Clinicians, Therapists. ... Clinical Social Workers. ... Psychiatrists. ... Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners. ... Primary Care Physicians. ... Family Nurse Practitioners. ... Psychiatric Pharmacists.More items...
How do doctors treat people with mental illness?
Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of mental illness provided by a trained mental health professional. Psychotherapy explores thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and seeks to improve an individual's well-being. Psychotherapy paired with medication is the most effective way to promote recovery.
What do you call patients with mental illness?
Don't use: “Mentally ill person” or “Person who is mentally ill” Instead, use: “Person with a mental illness” or “Person living with a mental health issue” People with mental health issues have far more sides to them than their mental illnesses.
Can a psychologist recommend medication?
California psychologists cannot legally prescribe medication. This prohibition is established in Section 2904 of the California Business and Professions Code.
Do psychiatrists always prescribe medication?
Psychiatrist – A medical doctor with special training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional illnesses. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication, but they often do not counsel patients.
What are the 5 signs of mental illness?
The five main warning signs of mental illness are as follows:Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.Long-lasting sadness or irritability.Extreme changes in moods.Social withdrawal.Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.Oct 14, 2020
Can you treat mental illness without medication?
For mental illness, there is no cure, unfortunately, but you can maintain a healthy mind in many different ways besides medications. In general, mental health is best when a person lives a life that includes: A sober lifestyle. A healthy diet.
Can a therapist diagnose you with a mental illness?
Therapists require master degrees and approval of their licensing boards to practice in the mental health field. Therapists provide mental health diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Therapists work in offices, hospitals, treatment centers, and group homes.
What are the signs of a mentally unstable person?
Examples of signs and symptoms include:Feeling sad or down.Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.Withdrawal from friends and activities.Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.More items...•Jun 8, 2019
What should you not say to a mentally ill person?
10 things not to say to someone with a mental illness“It's all in your head.” ... “Come on, things could be worse!” ... “Snap out of it!” ... “But you have a great life, you always seem so happy!” ... “Have you tried chamomile tea?” ... “Everyone is a little down/moody/OCD sometimes – it's normal.” ... “This too shall pass.”More items...
How long can a mental hospital keep you?
It can last up to 28 days. It is the most common way for people to be detained, Under a section 2 (S2), you are detained in hospital for assessment of your mental health and to get any treatment you might need.
What is mindfulness in CBT?
It is based on transcendental meditation and requires practice. Mindfulness is paying attention to an experience ‘differently’. It is about paying attention: on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally, to things as they are. It is now seen as part of the practice of CBT and, in the author’s clinical experience, could be helpful for elderly housebound clients through self-help resources. Mindfulness has as its mantra ‘being’, rather than ‘doing’, i.e. accepting our thoughts and feelings, understanding where they are coming from and letting them pass and not getting distressed about what’s happening. ‘Doing’ is about reaching pre-set goals, whereas ‘being’ is not concerned with the gap between how things are and how we want them to be. People can still act with intention and direction, but without being constrained by concepts about their goals (Williams et al, 2007).
How old is Mary from the GP?
Mary is 85 years old, has severe osteoarthritis and heart failure. She lives on her own. She recently developed leg ulcers and is under the care of district nurses. She has been a ‘worrier’ all her life. She does not think her ulcers will improve and is in a constant state of anxiety about her medical condition. This has seriously affected her quality of life and means she experiences little enjoyment on a day-to-day basis. Mary’s district nurse wants to improve her overall function and suggests she sees the GP for an assessment of her mental health. Mary turns this down, saying it is too late, she has always been like this and nothing will help.
Is anxiety disorder common in the elderly?
disorders, particularly generalised anxiety disorder and agoraphobia are common in the elderly but these conditions are often ignored and undertreated (Vink et al, 2008). Comorbidity with depression often results in poorer treatment outcomes (Diefenbach and Goethe, 2006). Generalised anxiety disorder is the most common of the late life anxiety disorders and can be difficult to treat (Hoffman and Smits, 2008). It is characterised by pervasive worry in order to avoid catastrophe and results in cognitive rigidity which precludes rational problem-solving (Laidlaw et al, 2009). The paucity of evidence on CBT for treatment of late life anxiety disorders compounds this challenge (Laidlaw et al, 2009). Further research is needed in this area due to the profoundly debilitating effects of anxiety on function in the elderly.
Can a district nurse be a therapist?
While district and community nurses are not therapists, they can become educated in CBT strategies, which could greatly improve the lives of their client group (Day, 2017). District and community nurses are highly skilled in communicating therapeutically with elderly housebound clients. They are trusted and valued by their clients. Educating them in CBT approaches could greatly increase the access of this client group to evidence-based mental health interventions at an early stage. This could have a lasting positive impact on quality of life for vulnerable elderly clients. JCN
Who needs community dental care?
People who may need community dental services include: children with extensive untreated tooth decay who are particularly anxious or uncooperative. children with physical or learning disabilities or medical conditions. children referred for specific treatment.
What to do if you are referred to a specialist dentist?
If you are referred to a specialist dental service ensure your dentist is forwarding all necessary documents. Do not be afraid to ask detailed questions about anything you do not understand about your treatment or the costs involved. If necessary let the dentist explain it to your carer or family member.
What is a community dental service?
Community dental services are available in a variety of places to ensure everyone can have access to dental health. These include hospitals, specialist health centres and mobile clinics, as well as home visits or visits in nursing and care homes. ...
Can a dentist treat a person with special needs?
Dental treatment for people with special needs. Some dentists may be able to treat people with special needs in their surgery. However, some people may not be able to get to their dental practice because of a disability or medical condition. In this case, the dentist should refer the patient to a more specialised dental service.
