How to Manage Your Aging Parent With Mental Illness

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How to Manage Your Aging Parent With Mental
Illness

• Mental illness in seniors may cause anxiety,
  depression, suicidal thoughts, or isolation. As a
  family caregiver, you should look after your
  aging parent's emotional needs. (El Cajon) Home
  Care has shared 9 ways for you to help your loved
  one with a mental illness.

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1. Check If Your Loved One Is Thinking of Suicide

• Ask your aging parent if you feel worried about
  his or her mental issues. If your aging parent
  has a mental illness, then it may cause anxiety
  or suicidal thoughts. It is better to ask your
  aging parent if he or she feels suicidal or
  behave in an unusual way.

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2. Ask Your Loved One If He Or She Wants Help

• Make sure your aging parent wants your help
  before you take him or her to a therapist or
  psychiatrist. Check in with your aging parent
  every day and don't let him or her feel isolated.
  Ask your loved one whether he or she needs
  professional therapy if things get out of hand.

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3. Research Your Loved One's Condition

• You may get help from researching about your
  loved one's symptoms on the internet. Learn
  specific ways to help seniors if they have any
  kind of mental illness. In this way, you may
  learn about your aging parent's illness and may
  help him or her in a better way.

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4. Search for a Mental Health Professional

• Look for an expert health care provider if your
  aging parent agrees for therapy. There are many
  mental health services which may provide
  excellent services. If you don't feel comfortable
  with it, then hire a live-in caregiver for your
  aging parent. Home Care (El Cajon, CA) offers
  round-the-clock caregivers for your satisfaction.
  

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5. Find a Support Group

• Encourage your aging parent to join a support
  group to share his or her inner feelings. You may
  find a support group where people discuss issues
  which your loved one can relate to. Check online
  if you are unable to find any effective support
  group near your house.