Research shows that group therapy is a positive treatment option for seniors. Group therapy has several benefits, including allowing a person to vocalize their feelings, examine behavior and dynamics, and problem solve. Often, geriatric inpatient psychiatric services include group therapy options.
Sunrise Vista understands the importance and value of group therapy for elderly patients and has designed programs and services to accommodate our senior population. To learn more, reach out to a mental health professional at 844-942-3007.
Benefits of Group Therapy in Elderly Patients
At Sunrise Vista, we use problem behavioral therapy groups that offer patients a broad range of benefits. For example, these groups help people communicate. Some of the common things communicated in therapy groups are appropriate expression and conflict resolution.
We recognize that people who have mental illness tend to isolate themselves. Group therapy allows our elderly patients to spend time with their peers, providing a social skills component as well. Furthermore, group therapy promotes healing based on psychodynamics.
Group Therapy for Elderly Patients in Canton, Ohio
Our group therapy is heavily rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy. We also have problem-solving groups. Notably, these groups help people communicate, express themselves, and resolve conflict.
Sadly, people suffering from mental health issues commonly remove themselves from social situations. This results in isolation and loneliness. As part of our geriatric inpatient psychiatric treatment, we use interpersonal process groups to work through the patient’s issues contributing to their isolation and loneliness. Overall, interpersonal process groups use group work to promote healing and improve social skills.
Each interpersonal process group has a leader who is looking for things throughout the group therapy session, such as:
- How each member is feeling and functioning in the group
- The way that members interact with each other
- How the group is performing as a whole
One of the goals of group therapy is to assess how the patient is in the present moment.
Geriatric Group Therapy for a Growing Population
Older adults are the most rapidly growing population in the United States. It is anticipated that this population will double to 90 million by 2060. Therefore, it is no surprise that the number of seniors with mental health issues also continues to rise. With that in mind, several detection and investigation strategies can help seniors maintain their memory, manage their symptoms of depression, and continue to live the life they want.
Sing, Paint, Reminisce
A therapy specifically used for geriatric inpatient treatment is music, art, and reminisce therapy. Studies found that this sort of therapy is one of the most effective mental health therapy techniques. Some ways this therapy is used is to play popular music from when seniors were young. Additionally, seniors may be asked to do modified drumming with foam drumsticks. Art therapy could be something as simple as painting birdhouses or coloring mandalas. Lastly, reminiscence therapy might look like passing around an object that seniors might have seen in their childhood. This technique can help facilitate conversation.
Find Mental Health Treatment at Sunrise Vista
We recognize that in later stages of life, seniors begin to lose people that they care about. Some of the challenging losses include a spouse, friends, parents, or siblings. Additionally, other things can compound and eventually manifest as a mental health crisis that may require inpatient treatment. Some examples are changes in the body due to aging, loneliness, and loss of independence, leading to depression and anxiety.
If you or a senior in your life is struggling with mental health issues, call Sunrise Vista at 844-942-3007 to see how we can help you. A highly trained member of our staff will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.
