In-Home Care Services and the Challenges of Depression in the Elderly
There are many different situations that elderly individuals can experience that can be problematic. Most people think about potential medical issues that can be very common in senior citizens. However, these physical ailments may only be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the challenges that face these men and women. One of the biggest problems that many in-home care services have to deal with is depression in the elderly.
Depression: No Respecter of Age
The reality is that there are many reasons why elderly people will become depressed, and it can have much broader implications than just feeling sad. In fact, some people can experience depression without ever feeling sad. However, it’s also important to understand that while depression is common in the elderly, it’s common for virtually everyone. Depression can happen at any age for a host of different reasons, and sometimes for no reason at all.
Grief
Some of the challenges that face health professionals when it comes to Senior Mental Health issues is depression over the loss of loved ones. This can cause a great deal of grief for virtually anyone, but as more and more people around them begin to pass away, depression is a very common side effect.
Being Shut Out
In addition to losing loved ones, especially single elderly individuals, a sense of isolation can bring on significant bouts of depression. Independent senior living options, while giving an elderly person a semblance of independence, can also cause isolation.
Depression Due to Sickness
Dealing with medical issues such as Parkinson’s, heart disease, cancer and diabetes, not only can be worrisome but it can cause significant depression. Dealing with the physical symptoms of disease and sickness that may be age related is difficult enough. However, the prognosis for survival can actually be cut dramatically short with the onset of depression.
A Way Forward
The challenge for home care services and senior citizen living communities is putting the focus on things to do to avoid this sort of depression. One thing that is very common and Santa Clarita CA senior living facilities or care services for senior citizens is an emphasis on a healthy lifestyle. Exercise at any age releases endorphin’s that can affect a person’s mood. Sometimes being physically active as much as possible can help a person actually feel better. Maintaining a proper diet is also an excellent way to stay in shape not only physically but mentally.
Social Interaction
Connecting with others is another wonderful method of combating depression. Many times, having people of the same age dealing with similar situations can help to offer a support mechanism for people who feel disconnected, isolated and depressed.
If you know somebody who’s dealing with depression, or if you are dealing with depression as you age, there are things that can be done to turn your depression around. If you’ve kept your depression hidden, it may be time to speak with your doctor, your provider of home care services or your family or friends. People knowing about your depression can help facilitate treatments and changes in lifestyle that can combat depression and give you the best quality of life possible. Contact Comfort Keepers today to find out how we can help you prevent depression in a loved one.
Comfort Keepers
23900 Lyons Avenue
Santa Clarita, CA 91321
661-287-4200
