Have you watched your elderly relative go through a lot of big changes recently? With age comes dramatic life events that have a real impact on health and wellness, such as finances, retirement, health issues, stress, and death of loved ones.
It’s not uncommon for aging adults to develop major depression that interferes with their daily life. Do you know the signs of depression in elderly adults so you can get your loved one the help they need?
What are Common Symptoms of Depression in Seniors?
There are many different symptoms of depression in elderly adults. Among the most common are fatigue, lack of focus, poor memory and problems with making decision. Other symptoms include headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, weight gain or loss, change in appetite and cramps. Mentally, your aging adult may show signs of hopelessness, worthlessness, pessimism, and share thoughts about suicide. Because so many of these symptoms mimic other age-related conditions, it’s easy to miss the condition in an elderly adult.
With numerous symptoms of depression, you won’t know which ones will manifest in your aging loved one. However, you know your elderly relative best, so you’ll be in a good position to observe their behavior and detect when something is wrong. It’s important to coordinate with other family members, senior care providers and friends to also keep an eye out for symptoms of depression.
How to Help a Depressed Elderly Loved One
If you think your elderly loved one has depression, there’s no time to delay in getting them the treatment they need. The good news about depression in elderly adults is that it is highly treatable. With a combination of medication and therapy, most seniors are able to improve within a few months.
First, make an appointment with their medical doctor to eliminate any other causes of the symptoms. They will likely prescribe some antidepressants and provide a referral to a therapist. Cognitive behavior therapy will provide seniors with opportunities to learn new ways to deal with their thoughts and emotions.
Another helpful thing you can do for your aging loved one is to set them up with a senior care provider for their physical needs. The help and companionship can also play a big part in keeping them company and to avoid feeling lonely and isolated. A senior care provider can also inform you about their behavior and progress when you aren’t around.
There are numerous lifestyle changes that can help the elderly deal well with major depression. Family caregivers and senior care providers can ensure they are eating nutrient=dense food and getting plenty of sleep. Regular exercise provides feel-good hormones that stay in the brain for a long time. Weight management, ceasing smoking and avoiding overuse of alcohol or drugs will also help your elderly relative battle depression.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Care in Redington Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.