Adult and Older People's Mental Health at Elizabeth House Hospital

Mental health challenges are prevalent across all age groups, but adult and older populations often face unique circumstances that require tailored approaches to care. At Elizabeth House, we understand the complexity of mental health conditions in adults and older people, which often intersect with social, physical, and emotional factors. Our holistic approach is designed to provide specialised care, ensuring that each individual receives the treatment they need to regain stability and thrive in their communities. This article explores the mental health challenges facing adult and older populations, and how Elizabeth House Hospital provides the necessary support and care.

Mental Health Challenges in Adults

For adults, mental health disorders can arise from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Life transitions, relationship breakdowns, career pressures, and financial stress can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis. Adults may also experience trauma or have a history of unresolved mental health issues from adolescence, which can manifest later in life.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Adults

  1. Depression: Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting adults. It can be triggered by stressful life events, loss, or chronic conditions. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties.

  1. Anxiety Disorders: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, and panic disorders are prevalent in adults, often exacerbated by the demands of daily life, health concerns, or financial pressures.

  2. Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder affects mood regulation, leading to episodes of mania and depression. It often manifests in early adulthood and can persist throughout a person’s life, requiring ongoing management and support.

  3. Psychosis: Psychosis, including schizophrenia, affects how a person perceives reality. Adults experiencing psychosis may have hallucinations, delusions, or disorganised thinking. This condition requires specialised care and support to manage symptoms and enable recovery.

  4. Personality Disorders: Personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD) can significantly affect a person’s behaviour and relationships. Individuals may struggle with emotional regulation, impulsive behaviours, and unstable relationships.

  5. Trauma and PTSD: Many adults experience trauma at various points in their lives, whether from abuse, accidents, or life-threatening events. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop in response, causing flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional distress.

At Elizabeth House, we take a trauma-informed approach to mental health care for adults, recognising the impact of past trauma on current mental health conditions. Our specialised therapies, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and 1-2-1 counselling, help individuals process trauma, manage symptoms, and develop resilience.

Support Systems for Adult Mental Health at Elizabeth House

Elizabeth House provides a range of mental health services designed to meet the specific needs of adults experiencing severe mental distress. We recognise that adult mental health is often intertwined with social and environmental factors, such as family dynamics, work pressures, and physical health. Our treatment model integrates these elements to provide comprehensive, person-centred care.

  • Our multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and nurses work collaboratively to assess each individual’s needs. We develop personalised care plans that address both the mental health symptoms and the broader life circumstances affecting the individual’s wellbeing. This approach ensures that care is not only symptom-focused but also addresses the root causes and contributing factors.

  • At Elizabeth House, we offer a variety of therapeutic options, including 1-2-1 therapies that provide adults with a confidential space to explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges. These therapies are tailored to the individual's needs, whether they are experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, or other mental health conditions.

  • Recognising the importance of family involvement in the recovery process, Elizabeth House offers family therapy and support. Families can often be a key part of an individual’s support network, and working together can improve outcomes. Family support services help relatives and carers better understand mental health conditions and learn how to support their loved ones during and after treatment.

  • Our care approach is recovery-focused, aiming to help individuals regain control over their lives and mental health. We promote self-management strategies, empowering patients to develop coping mechanisms that will help them manage their mental health conditions in the long term. This approach is designed to reduce the risk of relapse and improve overall quality of life.

  • Older adults face distinct mental health challenges, often linked to aging, physical health decline, social isolation, and loss. Mental health conditions in older adults may present differently than in younger populations, and it is essential that care is tailored to their specific needs.

Common Mental Health Conditions in Older Adults

  1. Dementia: Dementia is a major concern for older adults, particularly those over the age of 65. Conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia affect cognitive functioning, memory, and behaviour. Dementia often requires specialised care, as it impacts not only mental health but also physical health and daily functioning.

  2. Depression in Older Adults: While depression is common in all age groups, it can be more difficult to identify in older adults, as it may be mistaken for normal aging or physical health issues. Symptoms of depression in older people include withdrawal from social activities, persistent sadness, and loss of appetite.

  3. Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can manifest in older adults due to concerns about health, financial security, or the loss of loved ones. Conditions like generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder may become more pronounced as individuals face the challenges of aging.

  4. Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder in older adults may present as prolonged periods of depression with shorter episodes of mania. Treatment needs to consider the physical health and medication interactions that are common in older populations.

  5. Late-Onset Psychosis: While psychosis is typically diagnosed earlier in life, it can also develop in older adults, particularly those with a history of mental health conditions or cognitive decline. Delusions, hallucinations, and paranoia are common symptoms.

  6. Social Isolation and Loneliness: Social isolation is a significant risk factor for mental health issues in older adults. Many older people experience the loss of friends, family members, or partners, which can lead to loneliness and exacerbate conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Specialised Care for Older Adults at Elizabeth House

Elizabeth House Hospital is committed to providing high-quality mental health care for older adults, recognising the unique challenges they face. Our specialised programmes are designed to promote mental, physical, and social wellbeing, ensuring that older patients receive comprehensive care.

Person-Centred Care Plans

Each older adult admitted to Elizabeth House receives a person-centred care plan, developed by our team of mental health professionals. These care plans are tailored to the individual’s mental health diagnosis, physical health conditions, and personal preferences. By considering the whole person, we ensure that treatment is compassionate, respectful, and effective.

Dementia Care

For older adults with dementia, Elizabeth House offers a safe and supportive environment where patients can receive the specialised care they need. Our dementia care programme includes cognitive therapies, memory support, and activities that promote mental stimulation. Staff are trained in dementia care and understand the complexities of the condition, providing patients with both medical and emotional support.

Managing Comorbidities

Many older adults experience comorbid conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, alongside mental health issues. Our team works closely with patients' physical healthcare providers to ensure that mental health treatment does not interfere with their overall health and wellbeing. We also offer physical health assessments and support to ensure that all aspects of an individual’s health are addressed during their stay at Elizabeth House.

Promoting Social Inclusion

To combat the risks of social isolation, we encourage older adults to engage in group activities, including therapy groups, social outings, and recreational activities. Our extensive gardens and communal spaces provide a peaceful environment where older adults can interact with others, build social connections, and enjoy nature.

Therapeutic Interventions

Older adults benefit from a range of therapeutic interventions available at Elizabeth House. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, reminiscence therapy, and occupational therapy are commonly used to address the emotional and psychological needs of older patients. These therapies are designed to improve mental wellbeing, enhance cognitive functioning, and promote a sense of purpose.

Trauma-Informed Care at Elizabeth House

Both adult and older populations can experience trauma, whether recent or historical. Trauma can have a profound effect on mental health, and it is important to provide care that acknowledges the impact of trauma on the individual. At Elizabeth House, we adopt a trauma-informed approach to care, recognising the signs of trauma and tailoring our interventions to support recovery in a safe and nurturing environment.

Our trauma-informed care includes:

  • Staff Training: All staff at Elizabeth House are trained to recognise the impact of trauma and to approach care with sensitivity. This helps to create a safe space for individuals to express their feelings and work through their trauma.

  • Therapeutic Interventions: We offer a variety of trauma-focused therapies, including CBT and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), to help individuals process their trauma and develop coping strategies.

  • Empowerment and Collaboration: A key aspect of trauma-informed care is empowering individuals to take control of their recovery journey. We encourage collaboration between patients and their care teams, ensuring that individuals feel respected, valued, and involved in their treatment plans.

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Elizabeth House’s Facilities for Adult and Older People’s Mental Health

Elizabeth House provides a range of facilities designed to support the mental health and wellbeing of adults and older people. Our hospital environment is therapeutic, with a focus on safety, comfort, and dignity. Facilities include:

  • Single-Sex En-Suite Accommodation: Ensuring privacy and dignity, our wards provide en-suite rooms for each patient, with single-sex accommodation to enhance comfort and security.

  • Communal Lounges and Therapy Rooms: Our communal spaces are designed to foster social interaction and provide a calming environment for relaxation. Therapy rooms are equipped for individual and group therapies, supporting a range of treatment modalities.

  • Outdoor Areas and Gardens: Elizabeth House boasts extensive gardens and outdoor areas, where patients can enjoy fresh air, engage in therapeutic activities, and connect with nature. These spaces are particularly beneficial for older adults and those in recovery, providing a peaceful environment for reflection and relaxation.

At Elizabeth House, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health care for adults and older people. Our holistic approach ensures that individuals receive personalised care that addresses not only their mental health conditions but also their physical, social, and emotional needs. Whether an individual is experiencing severe depression, anxiety, psychosis, or the challenges of dementia, Elizabeth House offers a supportive environment where recovery is possible. By focusing on stabilisation, treatment, and effective discharge, we empower individuals to regain control of their lives and achieve long-term wellbeing.