URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Bullying among older people living in assisted living facilities is an issue that may not be widespread, but experts are telling the 65 and older population, their loved ones, and their caregivers why the problem exists and how to confront it.

Ari Lakritz, a clinical psychologist at OSF HealthCare, has taken a keen interest in mental health care for older folks. He points to a few reasons why senior home bullying might happen. The seniors arrive with untreated, or sometimes even unknown, mental health issues. Lakritz says that old habits being hard to break is also another reason

“The same types of personality dynamics, the same types of biases these individuals hold maybe as a product of the particular generation they grew up in. Any types of biases or beliefs about individuals different than them. Why would those go away just magically as they grow older?” Dr. Lakritz says.

Another simpler explanation: older people are cranky due to issues that come with age like chronic pain or feelings of helplessness.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of senior bullying, Lakritz says it has to start with caregivers.

“A clinician not just reacting to different problems in the facility but proactively speaking with residents at least for a few minutes each day,” he suggests. “As well as having a really good referral system set up to psychiatrists, psychologists or another type of clinician if mental health concerns really do become a problem with individuals in that facility.”

Facilities can also take short-term steps, like holding anti-bullying or anger management classes for staff and residents. Preventing residents from “claiming” things in common areas like chairs or televisions to prevent others could also be a measure. Language on bullying in admission agreements could also allow staff to remove someone if they are perpetrators of bullying.

Families of residents should also check in with them frequently, and watch for changes in how they talk and act. A sudden desire to move out of a facility may be a sign of a bigger problem. Lakritz suggests stopping by for lunch and seeing if you witness any bullying. If you do, you should report it to staff.

The National Center for Assisted Living also has a document with tips to spot and stop bullying.

Visit the OSF HealthCare website for behavioral and mental health resources. If you or a loved one – of any age – are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 9-8-8, the digits for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.