Christian Counseling for Senior Adults and Their Families

There are certain issues that many older people tend to struggle with. These can include:

Depression

It’s a sad reality that many seniors over the age of 60 struggle with depression. If this is you, it’s important to reach out for help. Support is available to you through the experienced counselors at Newport Beach Christian Counseling.

We have personally witnessed how God uses counseling in the lives of our clients. If you are struggling, there is hope for you. If you have an aging loved one whom you believe may be struggling with depression, please don’t hesitate to contact us to see what options are available for them.

Anxiety

There are many possible triggers for anxiety. Life transitions and health problems can lead to anxiety, so it’s not surprising that this can be a common issue during the retirement years. At Newport Beach Christian Counseling, we offer anxiety counseling for all ages. As you meet with a counselor, you’ll be able to identify the underlying causes of your anxiety and learn how to overcome it through faith in Christ.

Loneliness

During old age, isolation can become overwhelming due to the loss of loved ones, a change in living conditions, and physical limitations. The experience of loneliness in old age is heartbreaking to consider, and we want to help you find joy in the Lord and a sense of companionship on your journey.

Loss of Independence

Having been independent throughout adulthood, the increase of dependence on others during the senior years can be very difficult to accept. Whether it’s not being allowed to drive, an inability to prepare food for yourself, or not being able to live on your own anymore, you can accept these new limitations with grace and still live a fulfilling life. We are here to help.

Grief

Grief can happen to anyone at any age, but it’s often more familiar to those who are older. Not only have you probably experienced the loss of loved ones, but you may also be facing the loss of your career and independence, or you may be feeling distant from loved ones who are living separate, active lives. Working through these emotions is necessary for your mental health, and it can be a relief to have someone to talk to about them during the Christian counseling process.

Age Discrimination

An often-overlooked cultural attitude in our society is one of disrespect towards older people. The Health Journal surveyed adults over the age of 60 and found that:

• 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.

These attitudes can lead to issues such as:

• Struggling to finish your career well.
• Being disrespected by younger generations.
• Being manipulated, intimidated, or emotionally abused.

Christian geriatric counseling can help you process the discrimination you’re facing and discover how to achieve wholeness and well-being.

Health Problems

Progressing through the aging process naturally brings a deterioration of health and vitality. Health conditions can be both acute and chronic, interfering with daily functioning, mobility, and a sense of peace and happiness.

We can trust the Lord to support us during our times of weakness. In the Old Testament, God made this promise to His people, and it is still relevant to us today:

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

In Christian counseling for aging issues, we will walk alongside you and offer practical solutions for whatever concerns you may have, such as:

• Age-related health concerns.
• Decreased independence and increased reliance on others for care.
• Emotions related to declining health.
• Challenges involving medical care.

Growing older doesn’t prevent you from receiving the love and care God has for you in Christ. In Christian geriatric counseling, we can help you accept the aging process with grace and receive the rich spiritual blessings that the Lord has for you.

Cognitive and Mental Health Challenges

For many older people, a decline in cognitive function can accompany the aging process. This may include memory loss as a natural side effect, but this can also be a symptom of a more serious condition such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Even if you do not have Alzheimer’s, memory loss can be frightening, triggering mental health problems like depression, anxiety, and/or paranoia. When considering adults over age 60, it’s estimated that 15% struggle with some type of mental health problem.

Christian geriatric counseling is available to address these issues, including:

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

At Newport Beach Christian Counseling, we know that age plays a factor in the treatment approach for mental health conditions. For senior citizens, factors such as emotional, cognitive, and physical issues related to aging are considered during the counseling process.

Relationship Issues

God created us to be in relationships with other people. Our need for community will shift throughout our lives. As we get older, we may face issues like widowhood, damaged relationships with adult children, or other problems.

We believe that God has wisdom available for these situations if we seek Him in faith. Newport Beach Christian Counseling wants to seek Him with you and to help you enjoy healthy, meaningful relationships in this season of your life.

In Christian geriatric counseling, we can address:

• Marriage issues.
• Family conflict.
• Dating and new relationships.
• Challenges to healthy self-esteem.

Newport Beach Christian Counseling can be there for you as you navigate brokenness in your current relationships or seek to start new ones.

Death and Dying

We can’t tell you to feel a certain way when facing the prospect of loss or your own mortality. We emphasize our hope in Christ through His victory over sin and death on the cross, and the precious truth of His resurrection. But our hope in Him doesn’t negate our natural human weakness and emotions, and nothing shakes us up as much as death.

The Christian community is invaluable in walking through loss or the prospect of death. In Christian geriatric counseling, we can provide compassionate support if you struggle with:

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

Our goal as counselors at Newport Beach Christian Counseling is to help you process your emotions and responses and to find the peace and joy of Christ as you accept His plan for your life and death.

Counseling for Caregivers

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 believe that caring for family is a sacred responsibility, especially when they are faced with illness and/or aging. At Newport Beach Christian Counseling, we also acknowledge that it’s very difficult to care for seniors struggling with an illness, disability, or mental health condition. Just because it’s right to care for family doesn’t mean it’s easy. Also, critical decisions may rest on your shoulders.

Our counselors can help you process the complex issues related to:

• Caring for a senior who has Alzheimer’s or another cognitive illness.
• The emotions you’re facing as you see your loved one’s health declining.
• Making difficult decisions about end-of-life care.

If you’re feeling exhausted, burned out, and overwhelmed by your role as a caregiver for an aging family member, reach out to Newport Beach Christian Counseling for support. Call us today at 949-386-7178 or look through our online counselor directory.