News & Resources

As we observe World Mental Health Day on October 10, it is crucial to highlight the increasing need for mental health awareness and support among older adults. With the global population aging rapidly, an estimated 1.4 billion people – or one in six – will be 60 years old or older by 2030. This demographic shift brings both opportunities and challenges, especially as it relates to mental health.

Many older adults remain in good health, but as they age, they face heightened risks for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These issues are often compounded by physical health challenges, including reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, and dementia. Addressing these mental health issues is critically important when it comes to helping seniors lead fulfilling and dignified lives.

World Mental Health Day serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and promote actions that can improve the mental well-being of older adults. Just as June’s Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month emphasized the need for greater understanding and resources for cognitive diseases, October’s focus on mental health highlights the broader spectrum of emotional support required for our aging population.

“On World Mental Health Day, it’s crucial to recognize that mental well-being is as essential as physical health for older adults, though often overlooked,” says Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “At Family & Nursing Care, we are committed to providing older adults and their families access to high-quality care, companionship, and daily living assistance, ensuring that seniors not only have their physical needs met but also their emotional and psychological needs.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is a longtime leader in providing access to best-in-class care for older adults. We understand the unique mental health challenges of seniors and offer specialized home care services to address them as best as possible. Our network of professionally certified Caregivers has extensive experience supporting clients’ overall well-being, including:

• Companionship Services: Social isolation and loneliness can significantly affect mental health. Companionship services – which range from assistance with normal routines and taking a walk to providing company at mealtime and accompanying on appointments – provide meaningful interaction and emotional support, helping seniors stay engaged and connected. By fostering relationships and offering regular social contact, professional caregivers can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental well-being.
• Mobility Assistance: Physical limitations can exacerbate mental health issues. Mobility assistance services – including help getting up, walking, transferring into or out of bed, and range of motion exercises – help seniors maintain their independence and participate in activities that enhance their quality of life. This support not only aids in physical mobility but also contributes to mental health by encouraging a more active and connected lifestyle.

World Mental Health Day is an important occasion to reflect on the mental health needs of older adults and consider how we can make a difference. Whether through home care services or by offering support to loved ones, every effort contributes to a more supportive environment for seniors. To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services, visit our Mobility Assistance and Companionship webpages.