Bipolar disorder causes big mood swings. One moment you can feel happy, and the next, sad or tired. These transitions impact everyday life, relationships, and health.
Bipolar disorder may be more difficult to manage in seniors with underlying conditions, memory loss, and even the side effects of treatment.
Below, we will discuss how bipolar disorder affects seniors, what makes bipolar disorder treatment different for seniors, and why getting the right care is so important.
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we understand these special needs. Our team works with seniors and their families to make sure they receive the right support.
How Bipolar Disorder Looks in Seniors
When seniors live with bipolar disorder, the signs can look different from those in younger adults. Seniors do not necessarily exhibit such manic episodes of high energy as younger individuals do. Rather, they may have:
- Feeling sad for a long time.
- Having less energy instead of too much.
- Trouble sleeping, eating, or remembering things.
- Confusion that may look like normal aging.
Sometimes these signs are confused with dementia or just “getting old.” This can delay the right help. That is why seeing a mental health doctor is very important. It also helps to break the myths that bipolar disorder only happens in younger people.
Challenges Seniors Face with Bipolar Disorder
Seniors might have greater difficulty than younger adults. These include:
- Other Health Problems
Seniors can also be diabetic, have heart disease, or even have joint pain.
- Many Medicines
Mixing bipolar medications with other pills can cause problems.
- Memory Issues
Seniors may forget their treatment plan or when to take medicine.
- Weakness
Mood changes can cause loss of sleep or appetite, which makes seniors weaker.
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we pay close attention to all these challenges. Our goal is to keep seniors safe and healthy while managing bipolar disorder.
Is Bipolar Disorder Treatment Different for Seniors?
Seniors with bipolar disorder need different treatment than younger adults. Therapists and doctors must consider age, medical history, and drug safety.
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, the team members develop safe, gentle, and personal treatment plans for all seniors. The primary purpose is to minimize mood swings with a safeguard on overall health.
Treatment Options for Seniors
Seniors can be assisted in so many ways to cope with bipolar disorder. Care most commonly involves medicine, treatment, and good daily life practices.
- Medication Adjustments
Medicines are a big component of care; however, physicians are careful with seniors. They usually:
- Start with low doses.
- Pay attention to side effects.
- Avoid medications that can damage the liver, kidneys, or heart.
Seniors often react better to low doses of mood stabilizers or antidepressants.
At Grace Health Clinic and Urgent Care, our providers select a safe medication with older adults.
- Therapy and Counseling
Talking with a therapist can make seniors recognize how they feel and teach them coping mechanisms. Loneliness is another problem that may be minimized with the assistance of therapy. Life may be reduced so easily with effortless activities such as relaxation, problem-solving, and establishing routines in daily life.
- Healthy Living
A healthy lifestyle is also essential in treating bipolar disorder, regardless of age, but more so among seniors. These include:
- Regular sleep schedules.
- Nutritious meals.
- Light exercise, such as walking or stretching.
- Keeping in touch with relatives and friends.
Our team at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care also teaches seniors easy ways to build healthy routines.
- Family Support
Family members can remind seniors to take medicine, attend a doctor, and assist with daily tasks. They provide love and support that enable an easier recovery.
Why Special Care Matters
The treatment of bipolar disorder in seniors requires more than the prescription of medications. Seniors require medical professionals who are aware of aging and mental health. At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we focus on:
- Choosing the safest medicines.
- Supporting both mental and physical health.
- Making therapy simple and helpful.
Through proper care, seniors can live healthy and happy lives.
How Families Can Help
Family members play a big role in helping seniors. They can:
- Go with them to the doctor’s visits.
- Keep an eye on mood or drug side effects.
- Take time to be together and decrease loneliness.
- Learn more about bipolar disorder to know it better.
Seniors feel safer when their families and doctors collaborate.
Living Well with Bipolar Disorder in Later Life
Having bipolar disorder as a senior does not mean life must stop. Seniors are able to continue enjoying family, hobbies, and activities that they enjoy with proper care. The greatest thing is to seek the correct assistance as early as possible and adhere to the treatment plan.
Care at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we care about both the body and the mind. Seniors with bipolar disorder need safe, caring, and personal treatment. That is what we provide.
Our Behavioral Health team provides:
- Full check-ups and evaluations.
- Therapy that fits each person.
- Safe medicine and close monitoring.
- Help for families and caregivers.
Dr. Abisola Onashile is a board-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 12+ years of experience in physical and mental health. She listens, cares, and develops treatment plans that are workable among the seniors.
We also make care easy with walk-ins, same-day visits, and online appointments.
Final Thoughts
Treatment of bipolar disorder in seniors is different. The way treatment is to be done is influenced by age, other medical conditions, and the use of medication. Seniors may lead healthy and happy lives with the appropriate care.
At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we are here to help every step of the way.
If you or a loved one has bipolar disorder, call us today at 360-200-1696 or visit our website to schedule a visit.
Our caring team at Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care is ready to help you find balance, hope, and healing.
FAQs
Can seniors really have bipolar disorder?
Yes. Bipolar disorder is a condition that may occur at any age, including in the elderly. At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we see and support many seniors with this condition.
Is bipolar disorder in seniors often mistaken for dementia?
Confusion and memory issues can mimic dementia. Get a complete exam at the Grace Health Clinic and Urgent Care.
How often should seniors see the doctor for bipolar disorder?
It depends on their health and their medical plan. At Grace Health Clinic & Urgent Care, we schedule follow-ups to make sure treatment is working well.