Many of us dream about retirement. We imagine relaxing days spent with family and friends while ticking off bucket-list adventures.
In reality, retirement can be a difficult time of transition. The lack of structure and regular routines can cause people to feel unmoored and without purpose.
“Transitions in older adulthood, such as retirement, can lead to the onset of a mental health condition or the exacerbation of one that’s been occurring throughout life but worsens at this stage,” says Dr. Ben McCutchen, Chief of Psychiatry at The Residence at Homewood in Guelph, Ontario. In addition to treating mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, he sees clients with substance-use disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. McCutchen says older clients—especially those whose sense of identity was closely tied to their careers—can struggle with feelings of loss in retirement, making them more vulnerable to depression. “Their work might have given them a great sense of purpose and productivity, and now they need to find other ways to feel that sense of productivity,” he says. “We also see social isolation during this time. For many people, it’s a time when their social community might change, especially with the loss of work colleagues.”
A change in lifestyle is just one of many challenges that can contribute to mental health struggles among seniors. Dr. McCutchen points to neurocognitive disorders, as an example. “Commonly, we think of these as impacting memory and function,” he explains. “But one of the under-recognized aspects of a neurocognitive disorder is the impact it has on someone’s mood in terms of causing depression, apathy or anxiety.”
What’s more, mental health conditions can be secondary symptoms to physical health issues. Many primary medical conditions like heart disease or cancer, says Dr. McCutchen, can increase emotional anguish. “So, as a result of the aging body,” he says, “we also tend to see mental health symptoms specific, or related to other physical health conditions.”
Older adults, particularly those who have spent their lives in leadership roles, might be reluctant to seek help for mental health symptoms. “Maybe they’ve always viewed themselves as invulnerable,” says Dr. McCutchen. “And when they experience the onset of mental health symptoms it can disrupt their understanding of themselves. Stigma or cultural beliefs can make it harder to start a conversation about mental health and impact their ability to receive meaningful help.”
Often clients will say, ‘I never expected to enjoy this or feel meaning from this’
Dr. Ben McCutchen
Dr. McCutchen notes that The Residence at Homewood is uniquely positioned to treat issues that many seniors face as they age. A diverse team of therapeutic professionals is on-site every day, ensuring continuous support and care. Clients engage in personalized, multi-disciplinary treatment plans, blending individual and group therapy with activities like recreational therapy, art therapy, personal training and mindfulness. This care model encourages the development of healthy routines and positive habits within a supportive, serene and therapeutic environment.
“For example, a client is followed by a psychiatrist such as myself, who is involved in the assessment and the formulation of a client-centred treatment plan, with contributions from a dedicated and diverse interdisciplinary team.”
Each member of the interdisciplinary team would provide tailored support for the client from the unique lens of their disciple. For example, an occupational therapist can support a client with stage-of-life transitions, such as adapting to new activities and retirement. A recreational therapist helps clients explore new or reconnect with past leisure and recreational activities, which can foster a sense of purpose and strengthen their sense of identity. That same client might also work with a social worker who helps strengthen interpersonal ties, understanding that care should be both client- and family-centred. A psychologist can help clients develop skills and healthy coping strategies that enhance their well-being and resilience, making it easier for clients to adjust to this new stage of life.
This holistic approach to care helps clients develop healthy routines and habits in a therapeutic setting. Located on a scenic 50-acre campus along the Speed River, The Residence at Homewood is on the same property as the Homewood Health Centre, one of Canada’s top facilities for addiction and mental health treatment. The Residence offers an exceptional blend of care and comfort. Clients stay in a beautifully restored historic character home, where they can relax and recover in a tranquil and discrete environment with premium amenities that evoke the feel of a boutique hotel.
The physical setting is integral to many treatment plans. Dr. McCutchen says an inpatient stay can offer a chance to explore new activities and therapies—like horticulture or art— that may initially feel unfamiliar or beyond a client’s comfort zone. “Often clients will say, ‘I never would have expected to enjoy this or feel meaning from this, and I would never have tried this at home,’” he says. “The Residence is a place where they feel they can safely experiment with new things that can give them a sense of meaning.”
Dr. Ben McCutchen is Chief of Psychiatry at The Residence at Homewood, Homewood Ravensview and Workplace Mental Health. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and an assistant clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral neurosciences at McMaster University. Dr. McCutchen provides assessment and treatment services to adults experiencing a range of difficulties including mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and psychosis.
Disclaimer: This story was created by Canadian Family Offices’ commercial content division on behalf of The Residence at Homewood, a member and content provider of this publication.