Blog

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an observance dedicated to sharing the importance
of mental health, overcoming stigma, and highlighting available support. At Signify Health, we
recognize the importance of mental health and the impact it can have on an individual’s overall
health and well-being. Our network of clinicians help people gain a more comprehensive view of
their health by conducting In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs). During an IHE, clinicians identify
chronic conditions, close gaps in care, and address social determinants of health, making it
possible for health plan members to get connected to the right care for their unique needs. 

As a physician dedicated to helping people on their path to better health, I have seen firsthand
the profound impact that mental health can have on overall well-being. Unfortunately, mental
health is still too often overlooked, but it’s a critical part of health that shouldn’t be ignored,
especially for older adults.

As we age, our mental health and well-being can be affected by many life changes such as
coping with a serious illness, experiencing social isolation or losing a loved one. In fact,
according to the National Council on Aging, nearly 25 percent of adults 65 and older are living
with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.

Having a plan in place to support mental health often leads to better physical health outcomes,
improved cognitive function and remaining independent longer¹ . However, while mental health
conditions can be managed, many older adults go undiagnosed and untreated².

Promoting Mental Health Awareness for Older Adults

Some common mental health concerns among older adults include:

Cardiac arrhythmias (or heart arrhythmias) are abnormal heart rhythms that result from disruptions in the heart’s electrical system, causing the heart to beat too fast, too slow, or irregularly. While some arrhythmias are harmless, others can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart failure, or sudden cardiac arrest, making early detection and management critical. 

American Heart Month is an annual observance held every February to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and encourage individuals, families and communities to adopt heart-healthy habits.

Recently, we held a webinar hosted by RISE titled, “Medication Therapy Management: An Opportunity to Improve Health Outcomes, Star Ratings, and Medicare Advantage Performance. The webinar was presented by Signify Health’s Heidi Schwarzwald, MD, MPH, CMO, Home & Community Services and Franco Console, Pharm.D., Sr. Manager, Medication Therapy Management 

Throughout my career as a clinician, I have seen firsthand the concerns and challenges that cognitive issues give older adults. They fear they’ll lose their memory, their independence, and become a burden to their loved ones. The questions they ask most often are if their “forgetfulness” is just natural aging, or if they’re developing a form of dementia. They are often scared of the answer because they think there is little they can do about it.