Geriatric Counseling and Elder Care
Counseling for individuals aged 65 and older continues to increase. Elder care and geriatric counseling are areas that address the unique challenges of aging and life transition. Aging is an area of focus that aids in increasing an individual’s quality of life and provides support for various physical challenges, discusses end-of-life assistance, and works with the family to develop a care plan to ensure a high quality of life.
Understanding Aging
The aging process elicits a plethora of changes that affect one’s physical appearance, physical health, cognitive ability, and dealing with the emotions brought on by life transition. For some, changes can bring about mental health concerns such as loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Geriatric counseling can help individuals walk through these unique stressors and work to enhance the quality of life of older adults.
Common Issues Faced in Aging
1. Health Problems: Chronic diseases, pain, mobility issues, and cognitive decline are common issues as people age. Family members and a counselor can help navigate medical care and treatment options.
2. Social Isolation: Retirement, loss of friends and family, or declining health can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
3. End-of-Life Planning: Death and dying are topics of discussuion that are integral for seniors to address with their families and caregivers.
4. Changes in Family Dynamics: As an individual ages, roles throughout the family shift and change. Children become caregivers, parents transition to receiving care, and new responsibilities for the children emerge.
The Role of Elder Care Counseling
Elder care counseling provides a platform for seniors and their families to discuss concerns, navigate their emotions, and develop strategies to best move into this different phase of life. Some ways counselors can help:
1. Emotional Support and Therapy
Counselors offer a safe environment for seniors to express their feelings about aging, physical changes, grief, or sadness. Individual and group therapy sessions can help foster relational connections and provide a place for individuals to feel like they can express themselves and not feel alone.
2. Caregiver Support
Family members often become the caregivers of their parents, which can be stressful and challenging. Counseling sessions can help caregivers develop coping mechanisms, communicate better with their loved ones, and find a balance between their lives and caring for their older parents.
3. Decision-Making Assistance
Counselors can guide seniors and their families through important decisions that are made once aging occurs. Decisions like choosing the right healthcare services, deciding on assisted living or remaining at home, or preparing for the end-of-life can be navigated with the help of a clinician or geriatric counselor.
Understanding Aging Through a Biblical Lens
Proverbs 16:31 says, “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.” This verse serves as a reminder of the honor, value, and wisdom of the aged. Scripture lifts up those in their old age and holds them in high prestige. In the same way, honoring those who have lived a long life can be achieved by caring for them well. Through counseling, individuals can be esteemed and allowed the space to process their life transition and increase their mental health and quality of life.
Psalms 71:9 states, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent.” This petition suggests that the elderly have inherent worth and need for family, friends, and support in their later years. This can be found through individual counseling, support groups, and quality care from their loved ones. As the Bible instructs to take care of those who are weak in their older age, an individual can honor those who love them by providing them with health care and mental health care.
Aging is an inevitable part of life, and while it can bring challenges, it can also lead to profound personal growth, connection with others, and peace within oneself. Elder care counseling serves as an invaluable resource, providing seniors and their families with the support needed to navigate this complex journey with grace and strength.
