How to Recognize and Combat Geriatric Depression

How to Recognize and Combat Geriatric Depression 

It is a completely appropriate and normal response to feel sadness from any adjustment in life, such as weight changes, limited mobility, aches and pains and other circumstances that can be associated with aging. Fluctuating emotions are a part of life and being human. It is when that sadness is overwhelming, persistent and impacting quality of life that there is major cause for concern. Contrary to what many people believe, depression is not an inevitable part of aging, and one should never feel powerless if they believe they suffer from depression.

 It is estimated that 15 percent of Americans older than 65 years old suffer from this diagnosable, treatable mental illness, with a large majority of those individuals not receiving adequate-enough treatment or care, if at all. From those who only recently retired or are living in retirement communities to those receiving elderly home care, no one is completely exempt from this illness that affects people of all ages and from all walks of life.  

Why is it Hard to Detect?

As depression is a mental disorder, it can easily and often go undetected by family, friends, health providers and even the individual grappling with the illness. One reason that it often goes under the radar is because experiencing sadness, hardship and loneliness is something everyone undergoes at some point in their lives. This can make it hard for someone to distinguish “normal” human emotion from a more serious issue that needs medical attention. 

Another reason depression is hard to pinpoint may be because of the stigma that still surrounds the illness. This may explain why so many people, senior citizens included, fail to admit they suffer from a mental disorder that can be addressed and treated. Not to mention, seniors may often have less resources, limited mobility and smaller support networks that make it hard to reach out when they need guidance and support on how to deal with and manage their depression.

Depression and Other Health Issues 

Symptoms of depression in seniors can be physical, such as aches and muscle weakness, as well as cognitive, like illogical reasoning and forgetfulness. Not only can these be mistaken simply for signs of aging, but they also often are not symptoms that younger people with depression experience. Since depression in young ages is better understood and more readily recognized, people may not even realize that the symptoms an elder is exhibiting are indications that depression is present. 

Oftentimes, depression co-occurs with other health problems, making it even harder for health providers to diagnose. For instance, seniors with depression are at higher risks for cardiac diseases and death from other illnesses. This only goes to show that it is essential that depression be diagnosed and treated, as it correlates with lower quality of life, shorter average lifespans and risk of suicide. 

Symptoms of Depression

A senior who is suffering from depression may exhibit different symptoms from another person experiencing the very same mental illness. While it’s important to note that depression can manifest in many forms, you can gain a better understanding of it by considering these common symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping or restlessness

• Persistent, severe pain

• Poor body- and self-image

• Delayed thinking and forgetfulness

• Headaches and migraines

• Fatigue and irritability

• Digestive problems and cramps 

• Consistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness or apathy

• Feelings of social isolation 

If any or all of these ring true for you or a loved one, consult with a doctor who can get to the underlying cause of these symptoms and give you the peace of mind and answers you seek.  

Common Treatments for Depression

When it comes to treating depression, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What may work wonders for one person may not be as effective for another. That is why it is important to do your research to find the right treatment methods that will work for your circumstance or your loved one’s unique circumstance. Some of the more common treatment options include:Antidepressants–When considering medication, discuss the options thoroughly with a doctor so you can fully understand the potential risks and side effects before any new medication is introduced.

• Antidepressants–When considering medication, discuss the options thoroughly with a doctor so you can fully understand the potential risks and side effects before any new medication is introduced. 
• Counseling–Speaking with a therapist is another popular route people take. Therapy gives people the opportunity to voice what’s on their mind, hopefully feeling peace by talking through their problems and stressors in the process. 
• Psychotherapy–If the potential for side effects from new medication is too great or risky, psychotherapy is a popular alternative. This is a common option often used for those who deal with intense stressors from their pasts.

In Addition to Treatment

Because of the nature of old age, many seniors suffer from loneliness and feel cut off from past enjoyments, resources and people they can rely on. While not to be considered a cure or treatment for depression, having an elderly caregiver can help ease their burdens and make their daily lives a bit easier. Companionship and some assistance navigating day-to-day tasks is something found in elderly care services. If you are concerned about a loved one who lives alone and suffers from depression, do your research to see if this is something that can be beneficial for your family. 

If you fear you or a senior family member suffers from depression, remember there will always be resources and help. The road to feeling better and regaining lust for life may seem intimidating at first but one that doesn’t have to be navigated alone. Those suffering from depression can reach out to family, friends and health providers and find the help they deserve to continue living the happiest, healthiest, most fulfilling life possible.  

Author Bio: Susan Ashby joined the Superior Senior Care team in July of 2014 as Community Relations Manager. With over 27 years of experience in geriatric health, Susan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to Superior Senior Care and plays an integral part in connecting consumers and communities with resources for independent living.

Photos: 
 https://www.shutterstock.com/search/grief+counseling

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Thanks Susan for a great guest post

Neat Sheets for Your Aging Parents

I recently received a few samples from NEATsheets4eats.com to review. I have to say this is one of the best products I've seen.

I wish I had had them for my mom especially in her last few weeks when eating was a huge challenge due to her insistence on feeding herself despite tremors and loss of function. We went through a lot of towels and expensive chux, and they didn't keep her dry when we had soups or other liquids which were her favorites.

These can be so helpful for caregivers and to keep your aging parents neat and dry when eating or drinking. So much about caring for aging parents involves preserving their dignity and independence in any way possible. These are cute protectors without the appearance of a large baby bib!

The sheets remind me of those little paper bibs you get at the dentist office, but larger. These sheets are 13 x 22" and have adhesive strips to hold them in place. They are absorbent on the front and repellent on the back, and disposable. They're also very durable and can be reused if they aren't soiled. 

As a home health care nurse, these would have come in handy many times. Your car becomes your home away from home and many a snack or meal is eaten on the road. How many times I've spilled mayonnaise, mustard or coffee!! Could have saved me! Even now, I often eat breakfast on my way to work these days and they worked out well.

I saw a testimonial on their website about people using them at a large Bar B Que party. That would be a great use! There are many ideas for use almost everywhere and in any situation. They come in 4 designs and are available in packs of 20, 80, 100 or 400 and reasonably priced.

Helping Your Senior Parent Downsize From a Distance

By Clair Wentz

Life has a way of separating loved ones, and this often is true of adult children and their parents. Distance often makes the heart grow fonder, but it does not make helping a senior accept downsizing any easier. However, adult children should help their aging parents take the steps necessary to move into the final stages of life in any way they can. Whether this means assisting them as they move into a senior retirement community or simply a smaller space, distance does not have to mean helplessness.

photo from Pixabay

If You Can, Make an Appearance

Family obligations and preferences pertaining to quality of life are just two of the reasons why adult children may live far from their parents. While living near your elderly parent is ideal, it is not always going to be an option. Still, if your parent is facing a move, it is nice to take a trip to provide emotional support while explaining to him or her, in person, why it will be better.

If you are planning to move your parents into a smaller space, explain the financial benefits that they, their children, and their grandchildren may eventually see from such a wise move. This may seem like a selfish approach, but explaining that money saved could also go toward reasonable travel and other hobbies will make it clear that it is not all about you. Downsizing will minimize the stress that an aging loved one may feel to maintain an unreasonably large property.

Taking Care of Business from Afar

If you and your parent decide that life in a senior living facility is more suitable, many of the responsibilities of caregiving will be taken care of by a staff of professionals. Many senior living communities will handle daily care and provide necessary rehab and even potentially memory-strengthening services.

For those whose parent is merely downsizing, hiring a regular caretaker is recommended. Senior Directory explains that many elderly adults can live independently, but having a caregiver who pops in a few times a week is always a good idea. Family Caregiver Alliance provides advice on how to make a decision regarding the necessity of an in-home caregiver.

Regardless of having an in-home caregiver, there are several tasks which adult children can take care of to support and care for their parent. A Place for Mom suggests that long-distance caregivers remain in tune with their loved one’s condition, staying in regular contact through phone calls.

Organize Documents and Finances

In addition, a long-distance caregiver can keep documents organized that pertain to the senior’s health and other affairs, including finances. Speaking of finances, paying medical bills is another duty that a senior should not have to worry about. If they have a Medicare plan that helps cover their bills, the duty of paying attention to any changes in their plan should fall on both you and your loved one so that you don’t learn the hard way that something you thought would be covered no longer is. There are great online resources that can keep you both in the know about these changes, walk you through the process of enrolling for or updating a plan, and for learning what is offered in their state. Coordinating appointments when necessary is another way care can be given, even from far away.

While it may seem that living hours or even states away from an elderly loved one ties the hands of a caregiver, this is not the case. There is plenty that caregivers, often adult children, can do to aid an aging loved one. This long-distance care takes many forms, whether it means providing emotional support via communication or taking care of the many administrative tasks a senior is rarely capable or willing to do on his or her own. Taking care of some of these duties should help ease the burden that distance imposes on an adult hoping to help care for a senior parent.

Claire Wentz is creator of caringfromafar.com and author of the upcoming book, Caring from Afar: A Comprehensive Guide for Long-Distance Senior Caregivers. Claire is a former home health nurse and recognizes that our aging population means many more people will become senior caregivers over the years. Specifically, she is interested in providing assistance and support to those caregivers who do not live near their loved ones. She hopes her writing will inform them, uplift them, and give them peace of mind when they need it.

Thanks Claire!