Supporting Older Adults on World Mental Health Day

In recent years, we’ve seen mental health issues around the world gain more attention. Mental health awareness has been a main talking point globally. The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact only compounded the stresses millions across the globe were already feeling.

That’s why there’s no time for complacency. The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledges this and celebrates World Mental Health Day on October 10th each year, allowing us to redouble our efforts to improve mental health.

Find out more about how the Comfort Keepers team examines the issues playing on our mental health and manages them through adjustments to the homecare services we offer our valued clients.

Mental Health Services Under Strain

Even before the pandemic, the WHO estimated that 1 in 8 individuals were living with some form of mental disorder. Research also suggests that rates of both anxiety and depression rose more than 25% during the pandemic.

Increased Demand and Limited Access to Mental Health Support

Poor mental health is becoming more prevalent due to strained services. Waiting times for mental healthcare are also even longer than ever before. This has created a perfect storm of social inequality, drawn-out conflicts, and a clear public health emergency.

This emergency is affecting entire populations, compounded by rising geopolitical uncertainty and violence, and economic disparities, all of which make it even harder for people in some countries to address any mental health concerns they may have before potentially being displaced.

Despite growing awareness of mental health problems, stigma and discrimination can also still be a barrier to social inclusion. That includes access to the right kind of care.

An Assessment of Mental Health in Ireland

According to a study by Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, and the National College of Ireland, more than 40% of Irish adults are suffering from a mental health disorder of some kind.

Experts note the study as the first of its kind, involving deep research and appraisals of various mental health disorders being experienced across the country. The findings are deeply alarming.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Ireland

Insomnia was the most common issue.

Following closely behind were:

Severe depression
Alcohol use disorder
General anxiety

Younger people make up the greatest proportion of those suffering from one of these problems. The overall suicide rate in Ireland was 9.2 per 100,000. Mental health professionals have long flagged suicide as the leading silent killer.

Challenges in Ireland’s Psychiatric Services

The World Federation of Mental Health and other organisations have repeatedly emphasised the importance of improving access to mental healthcare.

Experts warn that psychiatric services in Ireland are in dire need of a “radical overhaul,” particularly those services used by children and adolescents.

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland describes the situation as a system-wide crisis, leaving services in a “dire state.”

The Mental Well-Being of Ireland’s Older Persons

A collaborative report published by researchers at the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and ALONE highlighted that the pandemic overshadowed the needs of older people the most. Their voices often went unheard, and their support systems became impaired.

This led to increased loneliness, boredom, and social exclusion. While the issue peaked during the pandemic, many still struggle with fear or a loss of confidence. Loneliness harms health, accelerating ageing and disease.

There are links between a lack of social interaction and an increased risk of dementia, along with poorer physical and mental well-being and reduced cognitive functioning.

Loneliness: A Major Public Health Concern

Studies say more than 30% of older Irish adults say they feel lonely some of the time. Feelings of loneliness are most common among the over-75s and those living by themselves.

Depression often accompanies loneliness. Many people who are lonely also display symptoms of depressive illness. A significant proportion of Ireland’s older persons have little or no social contact with others, particularly in Dublin and rural areas.

Even those with frequent interactions still say they can feel lonely and isolated from time to time. Loneliness poses a growing public health concern. Evidence shows that feeling lonely damages older adults' health and well-being.

Homecare Services for Better Mental Wellbeing

So, what can we do to help? Ireland’s HSE provides home support services delivered by themselves or by an approved provider like Comfort Keepers.

Companionship care is among the many services Comfort Keepers is able to offer. This can make a world of difference to the mental wellbeing of an older person who may feel isolated and alone.

It complements existing social interactions an older person may already have with family, friends, or their wider community.

The Benefits of Companionship Care

Our highly-trained healthcare assistants understand how encouraging meaningful connections can help support an independent lifestyle.

The clinically led Comfort Keepers team creates care plans tailored to individual needs. They can also assist with a broad range of other home support services. These include help with:

Meal preparation
Light housework
Running errands
Managing incontinence
Adherence to taking prescribed medicines

Our Home Support Workers will work with older people to improve their cognitive functions. They can do this by joining in with puzzles, games and quizzes, for example. They will also help with a plan that encourages an appropriate type and level of physical exercise.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

It’s quite common for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s to experience depression and anxiety. They may also lose the motivation to perform tasks they once found meaningful.

Along with negative feelings, a person with dementia who also has depression can experience worsening memory issues and cognitive decline. It can also lead to agitation, aggression, sleep difficulties, and poor appetite.

For those in the later stages of dementia, symptoms of depression can often include bouts of tearfulness and weight loss.

Supporting Mental Health Through Homecare

Comfort Keepers’ homecare assistants can make a significant contribution by:

Engaging with their clients
Ensuring a balanced diet that is adequate for a healthy lifestyle
Helping with sleep-related issues
Boosting overall motivation

Addressing Overlapping Symptoms

Some symptoms of depression can be very similar to those associated with dementia. These include becoming withdrawn and having difficulty concentrating.

Identifying and addressing these concerns can improve overall quality of life. The Comfort Keepers homecare team supports those with dementia and depression by:

Encouraging a structured daily routine
Supporting regular physical activity
Reducing feelings of social isolation
Listening to reminiscences and life story activities
Providing focused one-to-one interaction
Making changes to the environment (e.g., reducing bright lights and loud noises)

Mental Health Awareness in Ireland

Loneliness is not an inevitable part of ageing. Many resources exist to help prevent it and promote mental wellbeing, especially within local communities. These include:

Outdoor spaces to encourage more physical activity
Social groups for opportunities to connect with others
Places where we can participate in the arts or creative hobbies

Remember, age is also a mindset, and staying engaged in meaningful activities can help older people maintain a sense of purpose and connection. When we are not feeling our best mentally, it can be easy to overlook the opportunities that may be right on our doorstep.

We may even lack the enthusiasm to look for them ourselves. Friends and family can help by researching local activities that encourage social inclusion. They can use this as a chance to inspire an uptake in social activities.

Embracing Digital Technology

Social media often receives criticism for its negative effects, but when used wisely, the internet can reduce loneliness and boost cognitive function. We can use the internet to help by:

Making regular time to connect socially with friends and family
Restricting the use of social media as a messaging mechanism only
Participating in a virtual exercise programme
Learning a new language in real time with an online teacher
Joining a craft group to learn a new skill or take up a new hobby

You are never too old to improve your digital skills, and there is help available for those who want to learn more. For example, Age Action Ireland offers a free computer training programme to those over the age of 55 across the country.

Improve Wellbeing With Comfort Keepers

Comfort Keepers help improve the mental wellbeing of older loved ones. Its homecare services also raise awareness of mental health.

World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder to check in on loved ones and ensure they receive the support they need.

Learn how Comfort Keepers can help in the fight to combat loneliness and improve the mental health and wellbeing of older people. Get in touch for more information.