Helping the elderly cope with mental changes

Abstract

Mental changes in the elderly occur as the result of normal aging, medications, and structural and functional loss. The most common mental impairments include memory loss, dementia, grief, de pression, and anxiety. Several well-known nursing interventions have been assembled to assist the home health care nurse to support the elderly and their families in the home. These interventions, coupled with individualistic care, enable nurses to meet their mandate of providing dignified, holistic care to the elders of our society. Key words: mental changes, elderly, depression, coping, dementia