Suicide Risk in the Aging Population

Are you surprised to read that Canadians 65 years and older, particularly men, have the highest suicide rate of any group in the country? And although suicide death rates are lower among senior women, they have a higher rate of attempted suicide compared to senior men.*

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. And while seniors may not be the first age group that comes to mind when you think about helping those living with mental health issues, Canadian seniors need more support.

In some cases, senior life is filled with supportive family and an active social life. But for many others, the later years involve struggles surrounding the loss of family and friends, sickness or disease that limits mental and physical capacity and a loss of independence.  All of these issues tend to result in isolation and depression, which is the most common mental health problem in older adults.

At home health care services and premier home care services offer a variety of options that can help seniors continue to forge positive relationships as they age. Connecting with local Mississauga health care agencies or the local resources in your community can provide you with information on how to find the right supportive resources for older adults struggling with their mental health.

Signs To Watch For

It is important to note that the events that trigger suicidal thoughts in seniors are unique and are different than those that occur in younger demographics.

Older adults may show the following traits, making them at risk for depression or suicide:

·         Difficulty falling and staying asleep

·         Loss of interest in hobbies or activities

·         Social withdrawal and isolation

·         Loss of self-worth

·         Weight loss or loss of appetite

·         Fixation on death (either their own or after the recent passing of a loved one)

·         Obsession with recent health problems or diagnosis 

How To Support Seniors And Their Mental Health

Even though the digital age seems to tell us otherwise, in many ways people feel less connected to those around them.  Many support networks like church and family aren’t as strong as they used to be or aren’t able to offer the resources needed to help older adults feel connected and immersed in the community.

iCare Home Health’s Friend At Home program is a companion care service that provides healthy interaction and activity that supports seniors in retaining emotional, mental and physical well-being. The simple act of having a companion to participate in their favourite activities increases their enjoyment as well as their interest level.

Some additional ways you can support seniors and their mental health include:

·         Help them create positive changes in their routine. Promote involvement in activities within their community to avoid isolation. Introducing at risk adults to new activities can help them feel like they have purpose and have something to look forward to.  Connect with local at home health care services to find out what programs support the mental well-being of your loved one. 

·         Offer options for counseling and therapy. If they seem open to the idea of speaking with someone, help them out by doing the research. If possible, offer to drive them to and from appointments or arrange their transportation through a health care agency.

·         Optimize family time. When someone knows that they matter to others, it can discourage them from taking their own life. Organize family time whenever possible and surround the person at risk with love and reassure them that they are not alone.

iCare Home Health is here to help. Based in Mississauga, our thoroughly trained caregivers provide assistance with activities of daily living, including companionship and hands on personal care services. Please call us at 905-491-6941 to find out more about how we support your elderly loved one’s mental health and overall wellness.