Introduction
There are various programs out there, run by professionals in the field of mental health, to help people struggling with behavioral or psychological issues. Many of these programs are tailored for people aged 55 and up, who may be dealing with some form of mental illness. The goal of these programs is to work at improving overall well-being and quality of life. They do not prescribe medication as a means for treatment; instead, they focus on techniques such as self-help and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Behavioral health programs for older adults are an important part of the healthcare process. The Joint Commission, a non-profit organization that accredits and sets standards for healthcare facilities, has published guidelines on best practices in behavioral health programs.
What Is Mental Wellness?
Mental wellness is about enjoying a good quality of life, even if you’re experiencing stress or trauma in your life. Mental wellness can help you feel less stressed, more optimistic, and happier. By maintaining mental wellness, you can reduce your risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety disorder, and other mood disorders.
Mental health conditions are illnesses that affect the brain and its functions. They include emotional problems such as depression, stress-related issues like anxiety and panic attacks, and other medical conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Mental health conditions in older adults can be caused by a variety of factors including physical illness, emotional trauma or loss of loved ones (e.g., loss of spouse), medication side effects (e.g., overprescription of antidepressant medications), or a combination thereof.
Benefits of Hiring Behavioral Health Programs For Older Adults
There are many benefits to hiring behavioral health programs for older adults. One benefit is the cost-effectiveness of having such a program at your facility. It can also help reduce suicide rates within the elderly community by providing education and support to those who need it most. It also helps reduce the number of relapses and readmissions due to the continuity of care that is provided by a behavioral health coordinator. This helps to eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming admissions by having the patient meet regularly with their mental health professional. Having such a program provides education regarding mental illness, which can help reduce stigma in our society. It also provides a better understanding of proper medication management, which can help avoid overdose or drug abuse.
Behavioral Health Programs For Older Adults
1. The Joint Commission Standards On Behavioral Health
The Joint Commission requirements specify that all licensed health care facilities must have a behavioral health program. A behavioral health program covers the different aspects of mental wellness, including identifying at-risk patients, managing mental illness, and providing care and support to patients.
Programs are required to meet quality standards for every step of their management process. The following are examples of these standards:
2. Types Of Programs
Behavioral health programs for older adults come in two different forms: inpatient (hospital-based) or outpatient (community-based). Both forms can be tailored to fit the specific needs of your older adult patients. Some programs (e.g., integrated care management) are a combination of both.
Programs may have different names depending on the type of care and services they offer, but they are all geared toward improving mental wellness in older adults. Some examples include:
3. The Benefits Of Having Behavioral Health Programs For Older Adults
There are many benefits to having behavioral health programs for older adults, including less depression and anxiety; higher quality of life; lower use of antipsychotic medications; lower suicide rates (deaths by suicide); fewer relapses and readmissions (according to a study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services); improved medication management (i.e. compliance and reducing or eliminating medication side effects); and a better understanding of mental illness.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted a study which found that patients in behavioral health programs were more educated in the use of their medications and had fewer relapses than patients who did not have access to a program.
Behavioral health programs also work to reduce stigmas associated with mental illness. They help older adults, as well as their family members and caregivers, cope with the effects of aging on mental health, including grief, loss of independence, emotional stressors such as marital conflict or caregiving stressors.
4. The Challenges Of Behavioral Health Programs For Older Adults
There are some challenges that come with having an inpatient or outpatient program. For example, if one of the older adults enrolled in a program has medical issues that require immediate attention, such as high blood sugar, the patient may be transferred to a different hospital or doctor before their appointment. This can lead to delays in care and potentially cause harm. Another challenge is finding someone who can continue the program once an older adult is discharged from the hospital or clinic.
Another challenge is coordinating care between different health professionals, including mental health and physical health professionals so that each individual is receiving treatment for their illness under one roof where possible.
5. Helping Providers To Better Understand Behavioral Health Programs For Older Adults
A helping guide for providers was published in 2009 by the Society for Mental Health Professionals and their Families. This guide helps providers understand the benefits of mental health programs, as well as best practices for effective delivery of such programs, including:
6. The Future Of Behavioral Health Programs For Older Adults
The future of behavioral health programs for older adults is bright. There will be more research on how they can help improve quality of life and decrease costs associated with these conditions. Many older adults who enroll in behavioral health programs report that they are much happier than before, even if they have already been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to hiring behavioral health programs for older adults. The challenges that come with these programs can be overcome with the help of mental health professionals, as well as an open mind. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and older adults who enroll in behavioral health programs have a better understanding of the importance of managing their mental illness.