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Aging brings upon many changes. The elderly population may experience changing health, body, mobility, daily schedules, abilities, living situations, and loss of friends, peers, and/or loved ones. These major end-of-life adjustments are triggers for stress, anxiety, and depression. They may even put some elderly people at risk for suicide.
There are too many tragic stories that reinforce the need to be attentive to the mental health of the elderly. Nursing home negligence is just as dangerous as nursing home abuse in Chicago. We often do not suspect suicide from our senior population, but it is always important to watchful for unusual behaviors and pronounced signs of depression. Men in particular are more at risk to die from suicide.
Signs of Suicide Risk:
- Hopelessness
- Desperation or pessimism
- Low mood that does not lift
- Anxiety
- Withdrawal
- Sleep problems
- Impulsiveness
- Sudden planning for death: obtaining a weapon or means of killing oneself, giving away loved possessions, or inquiring about potential toxicity of medication overdose
- Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die
Moving into a nursing home, a death of a loved one, or suffering from elder abuse all may trigger suicidal thoughts and behavior among elderly patients. Always ask and listen to your loved one to find out what’s going on internally for them.
If you suspect extreme depression in your loved one make sure to alert the caregivers right away. Depression may also be a symptom of nursing home abuse or negligence. If you suspect inappropriate, abusive, or negligent care from your loved one’s nursing home, please call Harvey L. Walner & Associates today at (312) 313-2888 for a free consultation.
