Helping Seniors with Depression: 5 Tips

Sadness is a normal emotion for everyone at some point, but depression is a medical condition that requires a comprehensive treatment plan and lots of support from friends and family. Nearly 6 million senior citizens report depression symptoms annually, but only about 10 percent of those seniors get the help they need. If you worry that your elderly loved one may have depression, take these 5 steps to help, and contact At Home Personal Care for support: (703) 494-3989.

1. The Signs of Depression

Depression symptoms span the ages, so they are similar to symptoms you may see in younger people as well. But many older adults are reluctant to speak up about their needs, so be aware of these signs of depression in the elderly that don’t seem to have a clear medical cause:

• Changes in appetite (loss of appetite or binge eating)
• Sleeping problems (insomnia or not wanting to get out of bed)
• Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed
• Lack of energy that seems out-of-step with your loved one’s “norm”
• Social withdrawal
• A worsening of personal hygiene
• Memory problems

While some of these symptoms may indicate other health problems, they are also attached to clinical depression and should be taken seriously. Support your loved one in seeking medical assistance and help them understand that there’s nothing to be ashamed of in asking for help.

2. Encourage Social Activity

Depression in seniors can often be triggered by isolation from friends and family. This can also lead to a lack of sense of purpose and loneliness that can trigger depression. You and your loved one’s home care team can help them choose and attend social activities that they enjoy to help them feel connected.

3. Create Support Scaffolding

Depression is a condition that requires a lot of support from multiple angles. Medical care can help treat chemical imbalances in the brain, but the best outcomes for depression are usually the ones that include both a medical and social component. Supportive counseling, home care, occupational therapy, physical therapy and support from family and friends is crucial at this time to help create a social support system that can be there to lift and encourage your loved one throughout the day or week.

4. Get up and Move

It’s well established that exercise helps to reduce the symptoms of depression because it stimulates endorphin release in the brain. Talk with your loved one’s doctor about safe, beneficial exercises that can promote better physical and mental health for your loved one. Exercises classes and in-home occupational therapy and physical therapy are also great ways to build social supports.

5. Healthy Food, Happy Brain

Nutrition also has a big role to play in mood and mental health. For a senior with depression, this can be a bit of a vicious cycle, however. If they are feeling depressed, fixing themselves a healthy meal may just not happen. This is a good time to invite a caregiver in to help with meal prep and planning while also lending a listening ear and a supportive presence in the home.

Your Northern Virginia Home Care Team Can Help

One thing is certain: you should never try to fight depression alone. With the right mix of medical, social and therapeutic support, there is hope! Just reach out to our home care experts from At Home Personal Care and get the help you need to support your loved one as they recover from depression: (703) 494-3989.