Elderly mental health care at home
Dedicated mental health care from experienced, trusted Care Professionals can maintain the wellbeing of elderly people through companionship, general assistance, lifestyle maintenance, and emotional support.
What is mental health care?
Mental health issues can be experienced by anyone of any age, but often the struggles of older adults go unheard despite a potentially higher risk of developing a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. This heightened risk could be due to factors such as living alone, bereavement, or chronic pain.
Depression is thought to impact around 22% of men and 28% of women aged 65+, however, an estimated 85% of older adults with depression receive no assistance from the NHS. Access to mental health care can be vital to help older people manage common mental health issues, encourage them to maintain a healthy and independent lifestyle, and provide a safe space to talk – this can strengthen their ability to cope with life’s challenges.
Why is mental health care helpful for the elderly?
Mental health care can serve several purposes, from giving medication reminders, to encouraging an active lifestyle, to providing mental stimulation. Some common conditions supported include:
- Depression – This affects around 1 in 5 older adults and could be due to things like grief or managing a chronic illness.
- Anxiety – This affects around 3 in 10 older adults and could manifest as anything from persistent worry, to refusal to leave home.
- Loneliness – This is thought to affect a million older people in the UK and could be the result of retirement, living alone, or losing touch with friends.
By providing practical assistance and a listening ear, mental health care could help to promote a more fulfilling, balanced life for older people.
Do I need mental health care?
This type of care could be vital for older adults living with a mental health condition, no matter how severe. Unique challenges come with ageing; worrying health concerns, frustrating mobility issues, and social isolation, all of which can affect even the most mentally steadfast individuals.
Mental health decline is not an inevitable part of ageing, and steps can and should be taken to intervene if an older person is experiencing sadness, loneliness, rumination or other struggles. Mental health care could encourage useful coping skills and provide emotional support to help older adults manage their feelings, foster resilience, gain reassurance, boost happiness and maintain their independence to improve their overall quality of life.
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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I am very happy with the support, care and kindness I receive from all the staff of Home Instead.B.M, Client
Home Instead provide first class care. My care professionals are patient, kind and very reliable. I am very happy with the service they provide.Paul, Client
Knowing that mum has caring and genuine people to help take care of her gives me peace of mind and mum looks forward to seeing the Care Professionals. Thank you for making such a big difference to both of our lives.Rebecca, Client's Family
This is a company whose staff really do care on a personal level and who are client orientated, providing stimulative activities, conversation and going the extra mile to help client and family.Eileen, Client
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How to get started arranging mental health care
Asking for help with mental health concerns can feel uncomfortable, particularly for older people who prefer to keep problems to themselves, but there are many places to seek support, such as Mind, the NHS, or through Age UK. You can also speak to your GP about options in your local area, from counselling to group social activities and more.
If you would prefer to receive mental health care at home, our compassionate Care Professionals are great listeners, taking time to learn the physical and emotional needs of older people in their care, and helping them find purpose and enjoyment in life. By working together with older people and their families, they can tailor care to address unique struggles, and significantly improve wellbeing.
Why Home Instead?
Our friendly, attentive Care Professionals and helpful office staff offer support for whatever combination of care services you need, whether that means taking on housekeeping when you are unable to cope alone, or providing emotional support when life gets overwhelming. We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Alongside domiciliary care, we can provide bespoke support to suit your needs in the comfort of your own home. From personal care to companionship to mental health care, our Care Professionals are here to help.
FAQs
What is elderly mental health care at home?
Elderly mental health care at home provides professional support to older individuals dealing with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, dementia, or other conditions. The care is delivered in the comfort of their own home, ensuring a familiar and calming environment while addressing their psychological and emotional well-being.
What services are included in mental health care at home?
Services can be tailored to the individual’s needs and may include:
- Regular visits from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counsellors
- Assistance with managing medication and treatment plans
- Guidance on coping strategies and emotional resilience
- Help with maintaining routines and engaging in social activities
- Support for family members or caregivers to better understand and manage the condition
Care plans are designed to provide a blend of medical, emotional, and practical support.
How can home-based care benefit elderly individuals with mental health needs?
Receiving care at home offers numerous benefits, including the comfort of familiar surroundings, reduced stress from travel, and personalised, one-on-one attention. It allows for routines to be kept and can provide emotional security. Additionally, integrating care into their daily life helps build trust and ensures long-term support.
How do I arrange mental health care at home for myself or a loved one?
Get in touch with your local Home Instead office and we’ll arrange a chat to discuss your needs, challenges, and what support might look like.
How do I ensure high-quality care for elderly mental health at home?
Choose a care provider like us, with trained and qualified Care Professionals who specialise in elderly care. All our services that emphasise empathy, understanding, and a person-centred approach. We’ll regularly review the care plan and maintain open communication with you and your loved ones to ensure ongoing suitability and quality of service.
Diane WIlliams , Head of Quality & Standards
Before joining Home Instead, I built a comprehensive career in the social care sector, beginning in 1991 as a frontline care worker and advancing to senior leadership roles across both private and voluntary sector businesses.
Throughout my career, I have supported diverse care groups in a variety of settings, including community, residential, nursing, and secure environments. My experience spans working with older adults, including those living with dementia; individuals with physical disabilities and complex, long-term health needs; people with learning disabilities, including autism; individuals with enduring mental health challenges; individuals with current or past substance use and those with forensic backgrounds.
In 2002, I qualified as a social worker and have since maintained my professional registration with Social Work England.