The Emotionally Unstable Elder
“We used to dread hearing the telephone ring. Now that Mature Options is involved in Dad’s care, I don’t feel so alone. Problems still arise on a regular basis, but our care manager helps us respond before things get so out of control. [He] will always be sick, but at least we have our own lives back.”
Son-in-law & primary caregiver
Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are not uncommon in the frail elderly population. As losses accumulate (spouse, children, declining health, altered standard of living, diminished social relationships), some elders do not have the drive to remain engaged with life. Other elders have suffered for years from serious mental illness and have little emotional reserve for the rigors of aging.
Emotional Instability Symptoms Include:
- excessive sleep
- social isolation
- sleep disruption
- emotional outbursts
- lethargy
- among others
Meet Mr. Davis
The Situation
After years and years of coping with his illness, the family is spent. This is his third hospitalization for depression in as many years, and his second suicide attempt. The medications might help, but he won’t consistently take them. He says the pills make him “feel funny.” He says he’s lonely but won’t leave the house except to go see his family physician. He frequently cancels appointments with his counselor. He’s lost touch with friends and neighbors, and family members avoid him, whenever possible.
The Solution
Mature Options conducted a problem-focused assessment related to medication use/misuse. With client permission, all dated prescriptions were removed from the home. A care manager now visits weekly to fill a medication box, review the previous week’s medication use, monitor mood and behavior, and provide transportation to therapist appointments.
