Behavioral & Mental Health

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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Elder Abuse Month
Elder Abuse Month 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Elder Abuse Month
By Robert Goodman, MSW

 

April is Elder Abuse month. Elder abuse and neglect are a major issue in Florida where so many seniors retire. Elder abuse comes in many forms: physical, psychological, financial, and sexual. Many older adults cannot take of themselves due to frailty or dementia and either self-neglect or are neglected or exploited by others.

The American Geriatric Society website describes research suggesting that 700,000 to 1.2 million elderly people (i.e., 6% of all adults older than 60) are subjected to elder mistreatment in the United States and that there are 450,000 new cases annually.  The Florida Department of Elder Affairs investigated 41,019 reports of elder abuse and neglect during the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Of those reports 10% resulted in physical injury, 1% involved sexual abuse or substance abuse, 62% were a result of neglect, 18% involved exploitation of the elderly, and 8% involved mental injury.

You can help stop abuse and neglect of the elderly by understanding what abuse and neglect are and by learning the signs.

Physical abuse includes any physical contact with an older adult that results in a physical injury. Self-neglect is often indicated by a person’s inability to care for themselves. Neglect by others may result in malnutrition, dehydration, or a failure to get help or services for a frail older person. Psychological abuse is indicated when a person is being harassed, berated, put down, and made to feel bad about themselves. Financial exploitation involves the improper use of someone’s funds, property, or assets.

If you believe someone is being abused, neglected, exploited by someone else, neglecting themselves you have a legal obligation and moral responsibility to call the state abuse hotline: 1-800-96ABUSE or 1-800-962-2873 and report the situation. You can report anonymously.

Elder Abuse and Neglect Resource Contacts:

Elder Helpline

1-800-96ELDER

Fraud Hotline

1-800-378-0445

Statewide Senior Legal Helpline

1-888-895-7873

Consumer Services

800-435-7352

Financial Services

1-800-342-2762

National Fraud Information Center

1-800-876-7060

 

Resources on Elder Abuse and Neglect:

Foundation for Healthy Aging

www.healthyaging.org

National Institute of Health Medline

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/elderabuse.html

National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse

www.preventelderabuse.org

National Center on Elder Abuse

www.ncea.aoa.gov

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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Coping with the Holidays
Coping with the Holidays 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

By Robert Goodman, MSW
 
 
The holidays are supposed to be a time for family gathering, happiness, joyous celebrations, and hope. Unfortunately, for many it is a time of loneliness and sadness. The stress of the holidays can cause anxiety and depression.
Here are some suggestions by psychologists and social workers on how to cope with the holidays:

  1. Understand how the holidays affect you. What do they mean to you?
  2. If your holiday blues are a result of the stress from all the extra demands of the holidays, do some things to reduce the demands. Rethink how you view and approach the holidays.
  3. If your holiday blues are stemming from past losses, take advantage of the holidays to help you complete your mourning and lessen your grieving over the loss.
  4. Organize and plan your activities during this period. Stay busy and avoid unstructured time. Spend time in the clubhouse, participating in the many activities that are available. Exercise. Get involved in synagogue or church activities.
  5. Think of the blessings in your life: friends, children, grandchildren, etc.
  1. Don’t isolate yourself. If you can’t be with family, invite some close friends over to share the holidays.
  1. Volunteer your time.
  2. Try to avoid alcohol.
  3. Watch your finances. Overspending will cause worry over bills after the holidays are over.
  4. Don’t deny or try to hide your feelings of sadness. Seek professional help.
  5. Take time to reflect on past friendships and pleasant memories.

 

  • Robert Goodman, MSW
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Mental Health Issues for Older Adults
Mental Health Issues for Older Adults 150 150 Robert Goodman, MSW

Many older adults experience problems with gambling, misuse of prescription drugs, alcohol, anxiety, and depression. It is estimated that around 20% of older adults face mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems faced older adults.
 
There are many symptoms associated with depression. Some of the most common symptoms are:
·         Hopelessness
·         Sleep problems
·         Social withdrawal
·         Eating more or less than usual
·         Loss or interest in once pleasurable activities, including sex
·         Frequent crying
·         Difficulty focusing, remembering, or making decisions
·         Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt
 
If you have several of these symptoms for more than two weeks, you may have depression.
 
The abuse or misuse of drugs was once considered a problem only among the young. According to the American Geriatric Society, substance abuse has become a growing problem among older adults as well. Misuse of alcohol or other drugs is a common cause of physical and mental health problems among older adults, especially men.
 
Four questions can provide a quick way to determine alcohol abuse:
·         “Have you ever felt you should slow down on your drinking?”
·         “Have you ever felt annoyed at criticism about your drinking?”
·         “Have you ever felt guilty or bad about drinking?”
·         “Have you ever felt the need for an “eye opener” in the morning to steady your nerves?”
 
A “yes” answer to any two of these questions indicates that a problems is likely? A “yes” answer to even one of question indicates a possible problem that should be further evaluated.
(Source: AGS Foundation for Health in Aging)
 
According to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling a growing percentage of Florida seniors are developing serious gambling problems. Symptoms of problem gambling among older adults include:

  • Preoccupation with gambling
  • Withdrawing from family, friends or regular activities because of gambling
  • Neglecting personal needs or health due to gambling
  • Gambling larger amounts of money to experience the thrill
  • Betting more than planned
  • Experiencing unaccounted blocks of time due to gambling
  • Communicating a sudden need for money or loans
  • Uncomfortable feelings or lying when questioned about gambling habits
  • Gambling to calm nerves, forget worries or reduce depression
  • Experiencing mood swings based upon winnings and losses
  • Pawning or selling personal items
  • Feeling restless or having anxiety when trying to cut down or stop gambling
  • Using retirement funds or other savings to gamble
  • Attempting to stop gambling but unable to do so

Answering “yes” to one of more of these questions may indicate a gambling problem. For information or help contact the 24 hour FCCG helpline at 1-888-236-4848.
 
There is no shame asking for help if you have one of these problems. Help is available through psychotherapy, consumer education, inpatient or outpatient management of symptoms, medication.
Call 211 for information on local programs to assist you in dealing with depression, anxiety, problem drinking, or problems related to gambling.
 

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