Do you have a spouse or a parent who has mental health concerns? Maybe you have a friend who needs resources or suggestions, too. At Prestige Home Agency, we help families and their loved ones choose the appropriate home care for their unique situations. We understand that watching a loved one suffer with mental health issues can be concerning, but we also believe that we can help.

You might be surprised to find out that about 20% of adults over the age of 55 have experienced some kind of mental health issue. At the same time, many of these people do not seek out mental health treatment. The good news is that with the proper vigilance and knowledge, caregivers and their families can help loved ones overcome any potential issues related to mental health.
As a general rule, caregivers should keep their eyes open for certain symptoms that can indicate mental illness. Sometimes the signs can be slow to present themselves, so it’s best to resort to a checklist so that you can watch for changes as they might arise. If you or a family member suspect that your loved one has some potential problems, the follow might be signs that confirm your suspicions:

• Changes in appearance or dress
• Problems keeping up with regular tasks like yard care or trash removal
• Confusion or disorientation
• Weight loss or decreased appetite
• Depression or frequent mood fluctuations
• Feelings of helplessness or suicide
• Memory loss
• Social withdrawal
• Unexplained fatigue or change in sleep patterns

If you discover that your loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms, then checking in with a trusted health care provider is a good idea. At Prestige Home Care Agency of Philadelphia, we work with families to help them find the correct solutions for their specific needs. If you have someone in your family who is struggling with any type of mental illness, our team will do whatever we can to help.