Aging and Geriatric Issues

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. – Isaiah 46:4

Although one’s later years are characterized by joys such as retirement and grandchildren, this chapter can also carry with it a number of health and vitality issues that can make it difficult to adjust to this new season of your life. Old age can easily become a disheartening time for many, though it doesn’t need to be. With God’s help, it is possible to age gracefully and finish the twilight of one’s life well.

Bellevue Christian Counseling offers compassionate counseling for those who are in the late seasons of life and may be struggling with many of the struggles that accompany the aging process. The therapists at Bellevue Christian Counseling provide a safe environment for people of any age to open up about their concerns and begin to work through the challenges specific to their situation and circumstances. Our ultimate goal is to direct you to look to Christ, the One who never leaves us, and who never changes.

What is Christian Geriatric Counseling?

Christian Geriatric Counseling is designed to meet the needs of the elderly and aging, seeking to guide them through a part of life that includes a number of difficult changes. Our counselors try to make the change as smooth as possible by urging you to focus on the promises of God who has said that He will never leave His people. Whether you or a loved one are battling depression, loneliness, anxiety, grief or some other challenge, our counselors are ready to help you recover a sense of hope.

There are a number of issues common to those in their later years.These include (but are not limited to):

Depression: It is a sad fact that depression is common among those over 60.In such cases, it helps to have someone to talk to, someone you can confide in who can help you out of the dark valley into which you have fallen. The counselors at Bellevue Christian Counseling have a great deal of experience treating depression. Over the years we have witnessed amazing recoveries brought about by the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit. If you or your loved one are suffering from depression,contact a depression counselor right away.

Anxiety: There are any number of things that can trigger anxiety, and with all of the changes that happen as one grows older, it is no surprise that many seniors experience it. Bellevue Christian Counseling offers Christian anxiety counseling not only for seniors but for every age group.Our counselors seek to dig down to the root cause of the anxiety and give you the tools to manage and overcome it and to live peacefully through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Loneliness: Loneliness is something that can be experienced by people of all ages, but for seniors, it presents a unique challenge because of the many changes they are experiencing, such as limitations on physical activity, altered living conditions, thedeath of loved ones, etc. Working through these issues with a sympathetic listener, coupled with results-based therapy methods and a faith-based approach, we can help you or your loved one develop a perspective that honors God and restores your joy in the Lord.

Loss of Independence: It can be a very difficult thing to lose the level of independence that you have enjoyed for so much of your life. This may take various forms, including losing the abilities to drive yourself places, cook for yourself, or even to live alone. Rather than just trying to grin and bear it, seek help from one of our trained counselors to make the transition flow more smoothly.

Grief: Grief is something that many face at a number of different times and places in life. Perhaps you have experienced the loss of a loved one, or even the loss of a job, position, privilege, or ability. Grief can take on many forms, and while there is no cure-all formula for dealing with it, having a compassionate listener to turn to as you deal with your emotions and begin the healing process is key. Consider reaching out to a grief counselor today.

Age Discrimination: The sad fact is that we live in a time where the young often disrespect their elders. Consider the results of a survey of adults over 60 by Health Journal:

• 67% believed that age discrimination is a real problem.
• 37% experienced age discrimination in the last year.
• 43% were afraid of violence.
• 50% felt they were not treated with respect.

If you experience any of the following, Christian geriatric counseling offers you support:

• Aging workforce issues.
• Disrespect from youth.
• Intimidation, emotional abuse, or manipulation through violence or threats.

Health Issues

It is no secret that as we grow older our bodies begin to exhibit the natural effects of the aging process. This may mean living with chronic or serious health conditions that reduce or otherwise hinder your mobility, make you feel your own weakness, and place limitations on your capacity for enjoying life.But there is hope!

Consider this promise from God to His people:

Even to your old age, I will be the same and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it and I will carry you; And I will bear you and I will deliver you. – Isaiah 46:4

Christian geriatric counseling can help you learn to manage a number of issues related to the aging process:

• Geriatric health concerns.
• Reduced independence and increased need to rely on others for care.
• Expressing and processing emotions related to declining health.
• Challenges involving medical care.

It would be a mistake to think that accepting the effects of aging means that you cannot experience the blessings that God has given you.Christian geriatric counseling can help you through the hard process of coming to terms with aging so that you can fully enjoy the good times.

Cognitive Mental Health Challenges

Forgetfulness is something that plagues people in their later years, and for many, it is quite normal to experience a general decline in cognitive function.However, for some, symptoms like memory loss can be indicative of more serious issues like Alzheimer’s.Even if it does not indicate Alzheimer’s, reduced cognitive function can lead to depression, anxiety, and paranoia.It is believed that some 15% of adults over 60 have some sort of mental condition, but Christian geriatric counseling can help with mental health concerns including:

• Anxiety
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia
• Alcohol and substance abuse

Treating these kinds of emotional and mental health issues in senior citizens requires a different kind of approach that takes into account the emotional, cognitive, and physical health issues that come with growing older, and how they are interrelated.

God created us to be relational beings. As our relationships change and grow throughout our lives, so do our relational needs. Perhaps you find yourself single and want to begin dating again. Maybe your relationships with family and loved ones have become strained or damaged. No matter what you face, God can provide the wisdom you need. We are here to help you find that wisdom through Jesus Christ so you can build and restore meaningful relationships in your life.

Christian geriatric counseling can assist you in dealing with:

• Marriage and couple’s issues.
• Family conflict.
• Dating and new relationships.
• Challenges to proper self-esteem.

Bellevue Christian Counseling would be honored to walk with you on your personal journey  to help you mend broken relationships or begin new ones. Whatever you may be facing, Christian geriatric counseling can support you.

Death and Dying

There is no right or wrong answer to how you should feel when facing mortality (whether your own or that of a loved one). Christians have hope in Christ because He conquered death for us. Through His resurrection, we can hold fast to the promise of eternal life with Him. However, even with the knowledge that we have eternal life, the reality of facing your own death can be difficult. Many emotions are stirred up by the idea of leaving behind those you love or facing the loss of your peers and loved ones, and sometimes these emotions can even shake your faith.

Christian geriatric counseling can help you deal with:

• Fear of death and dying.
• Grief and loss.
• Concerns regarding care of loved ones after you’re gone.

At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we can help you process your emotions with the goal of helping you find peace, acceptance, and joy through Christ.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. – 1 Timothy 5:8

As Christians, we have a God-given responsibility to care for our family. When the senior members of our family fall ill, we do everything within our power to take care of them. At Bellevue Christian Counseling, we understand how difficult it can be to provide care for the elderly who are sick, disabled, or who suffer from mental illness. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy and can often require one to make difficult decisions regarding the well-being of your loved ones.

Our counselors can help support you in:

• Caring for family members with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive illnesses.
• Dealing with emotions related to the declining health of your loved ones.
• Making difficult decisions about end-of-life care.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the difficulties of caring for senior family members? Bellevue Christian Counseling offers a safe place to open up about your feelings and anxieties.

Find support throughout the aging process. Call Bellevue Christian Counseling today at 425-939-6856 or browse through our counselor directory.