Older persons mental health

Question 1

What are the risk factors for an older person experiences a mental illness?

Answer 1

• food security
• substance use
• loneliness
• hospitalisation
• vascular brain injury
• dementia
• loss of autonomy
• low economic status
• poor view of own heath
• female
• single
• chronic illness

Question 2

What are chronic psychiatric disorders associated with:

Answer 2

• Ageing —> associated with decrease in acuity of psychotic illness and improved self management
• Years of serious mental illness associated with poor social networks, limited family supporters, finance
• psychical health is affected
• delusions and hallucinations = increase cognitive impairment, functional decline, placement in RACFs and death

Question 3

What is elder abuse

Answer 3

= Single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate reaction, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.

	- Physical abuse
	- Psychological/ emotional abuse 
	- sexual abuse 
	- Financial exploitation 
	- Neglect

Question 4

What can HC professionals do about lloneliness?

Answer 4

What HC professional do about loneliness

• comprehensive assessment
• fuller history paying attention to social events
• introducing to other clients
• Collaboration initiatives and services