Helping Seniors Beat Depression

When a senior loved one has been diagnosed with depression, following the healthcare provider's advice is vital. But the feelings of helplessness and loss of motivation may make it difficult to comply with treatment. Home care services can support management of the condition.

Depression can range from a minor problem to a life-threatening illness. It affects all age groups. And did you know older adults are at highest risk? According to the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health, depression is the most common mental health problem experienced by Canadian seniors, with one in five experiencing symptoms. This is because many of the causes of depression are more common as we grow older. Seniors are more likely to experience:

• Grief and loneliness resulting from the death of a spouse or other close loved one
• Changes in life circumstances, such as moving from a cherished home, loss of independence and mobility, or financial worries
• Nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B-12 or folic acid, or poor nutrition in general
• Medical conditions such as low thyroid, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, kidney disease or neurological disorders 
• Chronic pain
• Side effects of medications, overmedication, or the effects of a combination of drugs.

Diagnosis is the first step

So often, depression in seniors goes undetected, but diagnosing and treating it can make a tremendous difference in the person's health and well-being. Family members are often the first to notice the signs:

• persistent mood of sadness, helplessness or irritability
• lack of energy
• loss of interest in friends and/or usual activities
• memory changes and the inability to concentrate
• disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns
• neglect of physical appearance and housekeeping
• unusual preoccupation with aches and pains.

Most people will experience sadness or other symptoms of depression at some time in their lives. But if your loved one exhibits some of the symptoms listed above for two weeks or more, it's time to do something. The good news is that, once diagnosed, depression is a very treatable condition.

A thorough exam by your loved one's physician or other qualified professional is the first step. The goals of such an evaluation typically include:

• Ruling out the possibility of other medical disorders
• Reviewing all medications for possible side effects
• Identifying the cause of the depression
• Determining appropriate treatment options.

Once your loved one's healthcare provider understands the cause and type of depression, a course of treatment can begin. Treatment may include counseling, medication and lifestyle changes.

How can home care help?

Family members want to support their loved one's recovery as fully as possible. But they often feel torn between the depressed person's needs, their own work responsibilities, and other family tasks. Sometimes this dilemma increases stress and depression—for family and senior alike.
For many families, elderly care services at home provide the perfect solution. A trained in-home caregiver can assist by:

Helping with medication management. If antidepressant medications are prescribed, it is very important that your loved one take them at the right time, and in the correct way. An in-home care professional can provide medication reminders, take your loved one to the pharmacy or pick up prescriptions, help organize medications, and report any side effects.

Preparing nutritious meals. Good nutrition is an important part of mood support—and in-home meal preparation services for seniors can tempt your loved one's appetite with delicious meals and snacks, to help break the cycle of depression and inadequate diet.

Transporting your loved one to healthcare appointments or counseling sessions. Physicians and counselors usually have the same office hours as working family caregivers. An in-home caregiver can ensure that your loved one arrives at scheduled appointments on time.

Promoting physical and social activity. When it comes to depression, inactivity and loneliness are major culprits—yet many seniors find themselves alone at home because of mobility problems, fear of falling or lack of transportation. An in-home personal caregiver can help your loved one participate in favorite activities—at home or out and about.

Providing an extra measure of security for family and loved one alike. Less worry about depression management lowers stress, which means that everyone in the family can relax and better enjoy their time together.

Depression is treatable. Although clinical depression affects many older adults, it should not be accepted as "just another part of the aging process." Treating depression can make a significant difference in a person’s health in general, and in overall quality of life.

For More Information

The Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry sponsors the Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health, offering resources such as the free online brochure "Depression in Older Adults: A Guide for Seniors and Their Families."