Depression isn’t a normal part of aging, it’s a serious medical condition. Seniors have an increased risk for depression due to lack of mobility and isolation. If you are worried about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to get a diagnosis and treatment from a health care provider.
Depression doesn’t just have “the blues” or the feelings that we feel when we grieve a loved one’s loss. It is a real medical condition that can be treated, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Depression x Seniors
There is an increased risk for older adults, there is at least one chronic health condition in about 80% of older adults and 50% two or more in 50 percent. Depression is more prevalent in individuals who also have other diseases or have limited function.
Older adults are often misdiagnosed when it comes to depression. Health care providers may mistake the symptoms of depression in seniors as a natural response to disease or changes in life that may happen as we age, and therefore do not see depression as something to be handled. Seniors often do not seek assistance because they do not know that with suitable therapy they might feel better.
3 Ways to Help Your Depressed Senior Loved One
The excellent news is that there is no depression in the majority of older adults. Some estimates of major depression in seniors range from less than 1 percent to about 5 percent, but increase to 13.5 percent in those who need home care and to 11.5 percent in elderly patients in hospitals. Here are the ways to combat senior depression:
1. Calm & Collected
It’s natural that you’re concerned about the mental health of your aging loved one, but it’s important that you do your best to stay cool, calm, and collected when you interact with them. Encourage them to open up through a sympathetic discussion about what could be bothering them. Make it clear that you are there to listen to whatever they want to share without judgement.
2. Make Time for Family
Loneliness among older adults is a significant factor in depression. It can be really valuable to give your loved one as much time and attention as possible. Creating a support system of family members and friends whose company they appreciate.
3. Enjoy Creative Meals
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of depression in aging adults, which can result in dramatic weight loss, muscle wasting, fatigue, and deteriorating health. This is why it is incredibly important that you help make sure they are getting proper nourishment. Together, prepare simple meals and snacks packed with nutrition and calories that they can consume even when they don’t feel like eating much.
Signs and Symptoms of Senior Depression
Symptoms of depression can be:
- Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable
- Fatigue and decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
- Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
- Overeating or appetite loss
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment
Getting Help For Your Senior Loved One
It’s not unusual for some aging adults to feel opposition when it comes to receiving help for depression, but it’s essential that you present the idea softly. You can then discover a reputable therapist or psychiatrist’s name and number and assist them make an appointment.
Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community
Fairmont Grand is a resident centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.
Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.
If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.
