The main issues that should be addressed in the treatment of geriatric population

1. Personal mental health and treatment of the following mental conditions:
- Depression or Mood instability
- Anxiety
- Cognitive Decline
- Behavioral Problems (agitation and disorientation)
- Dealing with grief
- Changes in sleep pattern and appetite
- Irritability
- Emotional sensitivity and vulnerability

2. Life's transitions - the period of losses. One of the major features of aging is charachterized by multiple losses:
Loss of health:
- Multiple medical problems
- Changes within physical appearance
- Decreased mobility
- Decline in level of cognitive and physical functioning
- Anticipation of imminent death

Relationship Loss:
- Loneliness and being alone
- Fellow residents� and friends� decline in health or death
- Familiar staff members relocate
- Decreased access to friends and family members
- Loss of control of family dynamics

Loss of Property and Independence:
- Home
- Cherished possessions
- Real estate
- Managing tasks of everyday life
- Fear of being a burden/ loss of financial security
- Perceived loss of privacy, freedom, and control
- Lack of accessibility to prior community ties
- Changing legal status

3. Family interaction:
- Family members' perception of the elder members and their needs
- Changing family dynamics
- Loss of control in family situations

4. Peers and friends:
- Communication failure
- Self-exile
- Interpersonal relationship problems

Furher information and help is available at the Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry – New Jersey Mental Health