Do You Know Why Elderly Individuals Commit Suicide?
How Home Care Services in Grand Rapids, MI Can Help Prevent Suicide among Patients
Suicide is a very real and serious risk among elderly individuals. In fact, the risk of suicide for an elderly individual is higher than any other age group, including youths. Home care services can make a significant difference in the life of an elderly individual living alone and this can help reduce the risk of suicide for those who were severely depressed.
Why is suicide such a major problem among the elderly?
There are a variety of reasons why suicide is such an important topic for anyone of any age group, but especially for seniors. The main reason is that as we age, our bodies begin to break down.
We are able to do less and face increasing health problems as we age. This can lead to a sense of isolation and depression, feeling that you can no longer do things you used to enjoy.
Also, watching friends and loved ones pass away before you can exacerbate the feelings of mortality that you experience as you age. This can lead to depression and a prolonged depression that is severe enough can lead to thoughts of suicide.
An individual who feels that there is no hope and nothing else that he or she can do in life is going to be more prone to thoughts of ending their life. To them, it is a better option than dealing with pain, anxiety, constant stress, fear, and all those other negative emotions that tend to come associated with healthcare problems as we age.
September 12 is Suicide Prevention Day and in-home health care services can certainly make a difference for an elderly patient who is living alone and who may be dealing with a wide range of health problems and limitations.
How in-home health care services can help.
One of the most important assets to hiring in-home health care services is companionship. Just having someone there with the elderly patient can offer them someone to talk to and share ideas with.
Experienced caregivers will also find activities that the patient enjoys and will encourage them to get involved in these type of activities once again.
In-home health care services can also potentially monitor the patient’s health, including side effects that may be commonly associated with medications he or she is taking. Only licensed and authorized healthcare professionals can administer medication or monitor certain health vitals.
A home care nurse can do these things, but a home care aide will be limited to simply observing what the patient is experiencing. Even just observing the patient can help the caregiver and the patient’s family find ways to get them involved and encourage them to continue living life to the fullest.
If you or someone you know needs help with home care in Grand Rapids, MI, contact the caregivers at Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care for many disabled and elderly loved ones in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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