It is not uncommon for older individuals to feel lonely, isolated, or experience other age-related issues that can result in sad feelings and depression. Fortunately, many senior living centers offer counseling services to address these concerns. If your older loved one is about to move into this type of community, here's why you should check whether it offers counseling help.

What Are the Advantages of Counseling For Seniors? 

1. Encourages Health Diagnosis Acceptance

Being recently diagnosed with a specific health problem, like dementia, can be difficult for a senior to hear about, leading to a denial of the condition. Seeing a therapist can help them work through their reaction and accept what they can and cannot do about it. The counselor encourages them to take positive steps regarding the diagnosis, such as utilizing stress relief techniques, making healthy diet changes, and finding senior-friendly ways to exercise more.

2. Helps Sort Through Feelings of Grief and Loss

Unfortunately, grief and loneliness are common components of aging. They experience a lot of loss during this stage of life due to spouses, friends, and family members passing away.

Speaking with a counselor following the death of close companions helps seniors learn healthy ways to accept the situation and move forward. Although they should keep the memory of loved ones alive, they must also learn coping skills. Staying active, such as participating in activities offered at senior living communities, can help them work through grief, too.

3. Addresses Unresolved Problems 

Past issues that were left alone can manifest in the present. Rather than struggling with related mental health issues and engaging in destructive behaviors, a senior can discuss these old traumas in therapy. It is usually easier to talk about problems with an objective counselor compared to friends and family because there is no fear of judgment.

By discussing past events, a senior can realize they have no reason to feel guilty, ashamed, or angry. This form of counseling helps them make positive changes, such as forgiving themselves and others and treating themselves with more kindness and respect. 

Counseling is among the diverse range of services available at Mt. Washington Care Center. This senior living center has cared for elderly residents throughout Eastern Cincinnati and West Clermont County, OH, since 1979. Their nursing staff consists of licensed practical nurses that provide around-the-clock assistance. Learn more about their senior living services online, and call (513) 231-4561 today to discuss your loved one’s needs with a team member.