It can be difficult to age gracefully when you’re living with a mental disorder, especially a chronic disorder like schizophrenia. Schizophrenia affects people of all age groups and impacts your behavior, thoughts, and feelings.
Yet, schizophrenia affects people differently as they age and treatment plans for older adults need to consider the effects of one’s age on their mental illness and vice-versa. That said, what options are available to those who are aging with schizophrenia?
The caregiver route
Many older adults, with or without mental illness, need assistance performing everyday activities including putting on their socks and getting around the house. In fact, up to 60% of adults who need assistance with daily activities are over the age of 65.
Those with schizophrenia are more likely to need assistance because the disorder can have a negative effect on one’s health choices and social interaction. Because aging already has an impact on one’s health and social interactions, caretaker assistance for those with schizophrenia is highly recommended.
What if a caretaker isn’t enough?
Sometimes you need the help of more than one caretaker as you age or it may be in your best interest to be somewhere where medical assistance is quickly available. In this case, inpatient neuropsychiatric programs may be in your best interest.
As you age, the positive symptoms of schizophrenia can become less severe and your mental health functioning can improve. But hospitalizations due to physical issues and health problems are also common, more-so than hospitalizations due to relapse.
Indianapolis psychiatric hospitals allow you to be treated both for mental health symptoms and physical conditions as you age. You’ll be around professionals who provide high-quality care like your caregiver and in a comfortable environment that provides appropriate treatment and psychosocial support.
Where can I find an inpatient Indianapolis psychiatric hospital near me?
Inpatient psychiatric care facilities are a great choice for those aging with mental illness because they provide both the psychiatric and medical care that’s necessary.
One in three seniors dies with dementia or Alzheimer’s and it’s crucial that those living with these other disorders receive the help they need both physically and mentally.
If you’re interested in participating in neuropsychiatric programs for mental illness at an Indianapolis psychiatric hospital, contact NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals today.