Mental Health Service Challenges

Between 2015 and 2050, the percentage of adults above the age of 60 years old will nearly double, from 12% to about 22%. With approximately 15% of adults aged 60 suffering from a mental disorder, finding the right mental health service provider is a must for many families.

Thinking You Can Do It

A lot of families think they can handle the work themselves. Providing care to an elderly loved one with a mental health condition, though, requires specialized skills and knowledge as well as patience and understanding. If you take on the work, but later on realize that the job is too stressful for you, it’s okay. Don’t feel like you’ve failed. Look for behavioral health services in Phoenix to help you.

Not Hiring a Professional

When you care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, you’ll need to look for a caregiving agency to help you out. A professional is in a much better position to provide the help and assistance your loved one needs. They’re trained to handle the situation. If you have little to zero proper training, then you may only end up worsening the condition. That or you may only end up aggravating yourself.

Not Knowing the Signs

Before you can look for an excellent behavioral health service provider or resource, you’ll want to be on the lookout for signs that your loved one is suffering from a mental condition. For instance, know what Alzheimer’s disease looks like. Be familiar with the symptoms:

  • Memory loss that impacts daily life
  • Difficulty in planning or solving problems
  • Inability to complete routine tasks such as managing a budget or taking care of the garden
  • Vision problems
  • Vocabulary struggles or may call things by the wrong name or term
  • Misplacing items and inability to remember
  • Poor judgment
  • Withdrawal from social activities or work
  • Different moods and personality

By knowing the signs, you can start looking for help before the situation worsens.

Not Researching Your Options

When you look for help, make sure you are hiring the right agency for the job. Research your options. Find out more about the firm’s reputation, its background, and the services it offers. What kind of credentials does it have? What kind of qualifications do members of the staff hold? Find out before you reach out to them for a consult. To get a trusted provider or resource for behavioral health services in Phoenix, contact Alarys Home Care for more details.

Hiring Caregivers for Alzheimer Care

One in every three seniors pass away from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. With deaths from Alzheimer’s disease increasing by 145%, the total is more than the deaths that result from breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Despite those numbers, only 16% of seniors receive assessments during routine checkups. To compare, deaths from heart disease have only increased about 9% from 2000 to 2017.

Why Does That Matter?

With a growing number of older adults suffering from mental conditions, it’s now more important than ever to make sure people can receive the help and treatment they need. If your elderly loved ones show signs of suffering from a mental disorder as their minds deteriorate, then looking for caregiving services in Phoenix should be first on your list.

How Do I Find Help?

Consider the services that your loved ones need. If you see signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, then start looking for resources and groups to help you get the specialized assistance and care your family members require.

What Do I Look for?

Find a caregiving agency, for starters. You and your family may not be able to take on the work needed to look after your loved ones’ needs, especially if they start to show signs of having a mental disorder. A trained and professional caregiver who’s had considerable experience can guide your family through this and help you all care for your grandparents or parent properly.

How Do I Pick a Caregiver?

Start by reaching out to a caregiver agency. Look for local businesses first. Ask around, especially if you already know someone in your circle who hired these services in the past. Their suggestions and advice can be a huge help to you. Reviews and feedback about the company can help you determine the quality of the caregiving services it offers.

What Qualities Should I Choose?

Choosing someone skilled and competent is a given. But finding someone with the right set of credentials and a compassionate nature is ideal. Given the reports of elderly abuse, the last thing you want is to leave your loved ones vulnerable and at risk of being a victim. Research your options for Alzheimer care thoroughly. If your instincts or gut say otherwise, move on to other candidates for the position.

When it comes to taking care of your loved ones, experience with caregiving services in Phoenix is vitally important. The Alarys Home Care has caregivers trained in dementia, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s. Contact us for more details.