Mental Health Matters for Seniors: Early Signs and Help in the Poconos

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to support the emotional well-being of your aging parent or loved one.

According to the CDC, 23% or nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition. Many seniors may be quietly struggling with their emotional well-being and find it difficult to speak up. If you notice changes in your aging parent or a senior loved one and think they may need extra support, Griswold is here to help. We understand that it can be hard to break out of a rut, especially as we age. We want to make sure families have access to the right resources and compassionate care.

When psychological health declines, it can impact overall well-being and healthy aging. At Griswold, we believe every older adult deserves to remain independent at home and enjoy the best possible quality of life. Below you’ll find a guide on early signs of mental health issues and local resources in the Poconos area to help support seniors.

Early Signs Mental Health Decline in Seniors

Watch for early signs of mental health decline in seniors, such as noticeable changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, unexplained aches and pains, disrupted eating or sleeping patterns, trouble making decisions, or a growing sense of hopelessness. Recognizing these symptoms early can help your aging parent or loved one get the support they need.

Local Resources in the Poconos

Acknowledging mental health decline challenges is the first step toward getting help. Explore these resources that could help in the Poconos area, including Monroe, Pike, and Carbon Counties.

Monroe County Area Agency on Aging strives to improve the quality of life for Monroe County’s older citizens by offering mental health support groups, including:

• Bereavement
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Grief
• Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities
• NAMI Group Meetings
• Suicide & National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Pike County Area Agency on Aging provides mental health resources, including two hotlines for Pike, Carbon, and Monroe Counties.

• Mental Health 24-Hour Hotline: (570) 992-0879
• Mental Health Warm Line: (866) 654-8114

Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services provides casework, support coordination, and service coordination for various individuals and families, with offices in each county.

NAMI NEPA, serving Pike County, offers peer-led support groups and education. Learn more about the programs they offer for individuals and families affected by mental health disorders.

Griswold Can Help

Our Caregivers support your aging parent or loved one by providing companionship, encouraging participation in support groups, and offering transportation to local resources and activities. We’re committed to helping seniors maintain their independence and emotional well-being at home. Our caring team proudly serves families in East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, Tannersville, and throughout the Pocono Mountains. We’re here to answer your questions, connect you with local resources, and design a personalized care plan to help your family navigate this journey.

Contact Us

Let us show you how our compassionate Caregivers can make a meaningful difference. So, your loved one can remain safe, independent, and emotionally healthy at home.