Depression In Home Care Essay

In Home Care and Depression

Depression is a serious condition that requires professional intervention. While we all feel down from time to time, depression goes well beyond these occasional feelings of being down in the dumps or having the blues. According to the National Library of Medicine, clinical depression "is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or more." Over a quarter of all suicides are a direct result of depression. Given the severity of the disease, it is worrisome that an estimated 10 million American seniors over the age of 65 are depressed.

The first step in treating depression is seeking the help of a therapist or psychiatrist. Sadly, many seniors
pull back socially as a result of their depression and they lack friends or family watching over them. As a result, there is a very real chance that nobody will notice their increasing social isolation and downward-spiraling emotions. These seniors do not receive the support required to moderate depression, let alone overcome its effects.

The most common warning signs of depression include a lack of enjoyment regarding things that once brought joy, regular feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, a lack of motivation or energy despite being well-rested, a habitual neglect for personal care, and suicidal thoughts or an obsession with death.

If your senior loved one displays any of these signs, it does not mean they are depressed, but it does mean they should have their symptoms checked out.
If caught in time, depression can be successfully treated.

During treatment, in home care personnel can make a world of difference. After all, seniors who are depressed may not feel like going to their therapy sessions or taking their medication. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), notes, "Once geriatric depression symptoms have been correctly diagnosed, 80 percent of cases are treated effectively by medication and psychotherapy." Yet, for the treatment to work, seniors need to take advantage of the help that is available.

In addition to providing direct support, in home care providers help combat depression indirectly as well. In fact, research suggests that just having somebody to talk to is one of the most important elements of combatting senior depression. With Comfort Keepers in home care, your senior loved one will develop a relationship with caregivers through the interactive care model. Of course, support does not need to be anything large and dramatic. A study by UCLA psychologists found that just viewing a photo of loved ones can improve a person's state of mind and even reduce
pain.

Depression is increasingly common among seniors, and too many cases are undiagnosed and/or untreated. If your loved one may be suffering from depression, it is important to have it checked out right away. Regardless of the findings, Comfort Keepers in home care support is their to help your loved one as needed.