Mental Health Issues in long term care Research Paper

Mental Health Issues in long term care - Research Paper Example Census Bureau, 2009). There are two main reasons responsible for this trend: 1. The baby-boomer generation is growing old with most of the people in this group being in their 50s currently. 2. The life expectancy has moved from 47.3 years in 1900s to 77 years in 2000 (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics, 2010). This has been achieved largely due to improved sanitation, nutrition and rapid advancement in medical technologies. These factors have contributed to the dramatic rise in lifespan and proportionate increase in health care issues - especially mental health issues among the older American population. Statistics reveal that over 14 million people live in long term care facilities of which nearly 90% are over 65 years (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics, 2010). These long term care facilities vary in scope from institutions and homes for the mentally challenged to nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2001), 67% of nursing home residents exhibit some form of mental or behavioral problems. ... ncidence of mental health problems in long term care residents is therefore extremely high (American Health Care Association, 2003): Mental Retardation 2.82% Depression 42.79% Psychiatric diagnosis 18.76% Dementia 45.35% Behavioral problems 30.62% Mental Health Issues in Long Term Care Facilities Following are some of the common mental health issues faced by residents in long term care facilities: 1. Depression: Depression is the most common mental health issue among residents in long term care facilities. Older people often experience loneliness, helplessness, hopelessness, frustration and anger towards the later phase of their life. Symptoms of depression include feeling ‘low’ and not enjoying things that once used to be very interesting to them, difficulty falling asleep or sleeping all the time, loss or increase in appetite, crying or acting out emotionally, anger, irritability, suicidal behavior, restlessness or slowed movements. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2000), although older Americans, over the age of 65 years, make up only 13% of the population, they account for 20% of the people who commit suicide. In fact older Americans have the highest suicide rate of any age group (National Institute of Mental Health, 2000). The most important factor that helps address depression in residents of long term care facilities has been found to be human interaction especially with their loved ones. 2. Delirium: Delirium is mostly caused by acute illness or drug toxicity. It may also be caused by fever, acute infection mostly urinary tract infection, medical conditions such as diabetes or as a reaction to leaving familiar people and places. Delirium always involves periods of diminished consciousness. A person suffering from delirium may act