Caring for an Elderly Person with Schizophrenia

Aug 19, 2016

Caring for an Elderly Person with Schizophrenia

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Mental issues, especially one like schizophrenia, can be exhausting not for just for the patient, but for his or her surrounding family as well. Below we've outlined helpful tips for caring for an elderly adult with schizophrenia.

Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Changes in Mood

There are two main mood swings to look out for when taking care of your elderly. The first one is irritability. Irritability can be a warning sign of late-onset schizophrenia. Yes, we know a few of the elderly can be quite grumpy sometimes, but if they become argumentative or even violent, it might be much more than your average grumpiness.

Another mood change to be aware of is if the senior becomes antisocial or melancholy. The National Comorbidity Study reported that 59% of patients with schizophrenia met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for major or minor depression. Your elderly might “zone out” or seem disconnected at times, and that could be an early symptom of schizophrenia.

Delusions and Hallucinations

This will be one of the easier signs to recognize. The disease attacks the cognitive and “common sense” portion of the brain, and oftentimes those suffering from schizophrenia will hear “voices” or become paranoid. These delusions or hallucinations will often come about in episodic outbursts. Your loved one may become accusatory towards you so it’s important to understand the situation they are in. They will most likely be frightened so providing a strong security blanket is key.

Confused Thoughts and Speech

Your loved one may have a tough time putting their thoughts in order. They may struggle to communicate exactly what they’re trying to say and will often become flustered or irritable. Look for them to become distracted when watching a TV show or reading a book. They often might “zone out” and forget what they were doing at that particular time. Make sure to communicate clearly and be patient if your elderly is trying to communicate.

Treatments of Schizonphrenia

Medication

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat schizophrenia. These first-generation medications have frequent and potentially significant neurological side effects, including the possibility of developing a movement disorder, like tardive dyskinesia, that may or may not be reversible. This group of medications includes:

  • Chlorpromazine
  • Fluphenazine
  • Haloperidol (Haldol)
  • Perphenazine

These medications also come in a cheaper, generic version that will also be sufficient. Antipsychotic medications will reduce the risk of psychotic episodes and will allow your elderly to function with a lower chance of outbursts. Some side effects they may experience are haziness, fatigue, and loss of appetite. It is also important to inform the doctor of any other medications your elderly is currently taking. The wrong concoction of pills can lead to dangerous and sometimes fatal side effects.

Therapy

Individual therapy will help your loved one identify signs of an incoming outburst and how to cope with it. They will also teach social skills to help improve interaction between them and their family members as well as others. Some therapists will also be able to place you or your elderly in a living and/or working environment that will cater to their disorder. This will allow your loved one to still feel independent while still receiving the proper treatment and care they deserve.

A Few Final Things to Remember

It’s Not Their Fault

It’s important to remember that your loved one is having an even harder time dealing with their Paranoid Schizophrenia than you are. Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, relates to others and perceives reality. In other words, they have no control over the disease unless it is medicated. Unfortunately, it’s not something they can just choose not to do. Understanding their struggle and learning how to become a good support system is essential.

It's More Common Than You Think

Many assume that Schizophrenia is a “rare” disease that only occurs once in a blue moon. Actually, 1 in about every 100 people deals with the mental disorder, so it’s important to know that you and your loved one are not alone. It can also develop at any point in life. Oftentimes, symptoms will begin to emerge later in life, so it’s important to be aware of changes in your elderly.

There Are Plenty of Support Groups

It’s important to know that you’re not alone when fighting this battle. There are a variety of both online and offline support groups for those with a loved one that has Schizophrenia. These groups can be therapeutic and can ease the burden by discovering that you’re not alone.

Caring for an Elderly Person with Schizophrenia
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