Preview

Home Care Depression

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
489 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Home Care Depression
Home Care and Fighting Depression

Many seniors face depression. In fact, recent studies show that nearly one-quarter of people over the age of 55 have at least some degree of mental health problem. More seniors deal with mental health issues than other age groups. Much of this can be attributed to depression associated with the loss of a spouse, friend, or other loved ones, illnesses, or even complications from medications. Seniors are also more likely to have restricted mobility and loss of social connections.

The good news is that according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), "once geriatric depression symptoms have been correctly diagnosed, 80% of cases are treated effectively by medication and psychotherapy." Additionally,
…show more content…

Home care personnel can help your loved one get on social media, use Facebook, even Skype or Facetime. Sometimes it is just being taught how, other times memory loss or arthritis makes getting on difficult, but home care aids can bring the online world back to them. One neat idea is "virtual engagement". With a smart phone, tablet, or laptop, your senior loved one no longer has to miss out on family events. Whether you are sitting around the dinner table or a campfire, they can join you virtually.

Home care aids can also help with transportation to ensure you senior loved one does not become homebound. The loss of a driver's license or simply not feeling safe on the road can be a tremendous cause of stress and depression. Transportation services can open the world back up and put a smile back on their face.

Exercise is also a key component to combating depression. A home care aid can assist your loved one with their exercise routine, get them to and from the gym or pool, even go walking or hiking with them. There are so many options available and all of them are not only effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of depression, but there are so many other positive benefits to exercise.

Depression may be increasingly common among seniors, but it does not mean you have to take it lying down. Home care personnel can play an important role in helping your senior loved one fight


You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Powerful Essays

    Busn319-Marketing Plan

    • 5033 Words
    • 21 Pages

    Today, many of the geriatric population are struggling to live life independently, and while some reside with their family member, they too have an obligation to work, and may not be available to aid the elder customer 24 hours a day. Feels Like Home can provide the safe and nurturing atmosphere for our elder customers while we foster the importance of independence with our geriatric community without imposing care from busy family members. Our services will include, but not limited to:…

    • 5033 Words
    • 21 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Week 3 PSY Case Study 127

    • 912 Words
    • 3 Pages

    References: Alexopoulos, G. (2005, June). Depression in the Elderly. Science Direct , 365(9475), 1961-1970. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.contentproxy.phoenix.edu/science/article/pii/S0140673605666652…

    • 912 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Friske, A., Wetherell, J. L., & Gatz, M. (2009). Depression in the older adluts. Annual Review…

    • 1699 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Researchers at the Retrieved had identified a number of obstacles to treatment of late life depression. Based on their thesis consists of two studies to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured approach by primary care and community services to the identification and management of depression among older people. Phase One…

    • 601 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    That's why it's important to hire companions for home health care San Diego. These trained companions can check with your loved one's physician before planning an outing and adjust the hike according to doctor recommendations. The caregivers can also prepare for the walks or hikes so that seniors don't face discomfort or excursions that are too challenging.…

    • 441 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    The population of elderly adults is growing quickly. The oldest members of the popular baby boom generation are now over the age of 65, which means there are more seniors now than ever before in the United States. Of this age group, 43.8% are either single or widowed, and living alone (U.S. Census, 2010). Aging adults desire to remain in their own homes, and this leaves the question as to who is responsible for making sure their physical and emotional needs are being met? Many cities provide a senior community center, but are these centers able to provide support to homebound seniors who are not able to participate in on-site center activities? Cities should also focus on programs that meet the needs of homebound seniors. A senior community companionship program that makes free home visits to homebound seniors could make an overwhelmingly positive impact on their lives. A companionship program for homebound seniors should be supported as an essential community volunteer function because it enriches the lives of immobile seniors by improving their emotional and physical health, and increases their quality of…

    • 2287 Words
    • 10 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    [2] Anderson, A. J. (2002). Treatment of depression in older adults. International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, 6, 69-78.…

    • 7719 Words
    • 31 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Senior Care Myths

    • 449 Words
    • 2 Pages

    2. Homecare is only for the rich. Medicaid now covers many palliative, transitional, respite, and end of life services. Many private insurances are also starting to cover many of these same treatments and situations. Baby boomers also planned and are planning for their senior years better than their predecessors. As a result, the number of seniors receiving in home care has risen dramatically over the last few decades. This is important because in home senior care service have been proven to reduce anxiety and stress, hasten healing, and improve a senior's overall quality of…

    • 449 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The primary benefit of receiving care at home is just what it sounds like: your senior loved one get to receive their care in the privacy and comfort of their own home. Research suggests that in home care not only reduces stress and anxiety, but when seniors are recovering from an illness, injury, or surgical procedure, they heal more quickly and are readmitted to the hospital less frequently as well.…

    • 320 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Many seniors can take care of their own medication management. Many more cannot. If your senior loved one would benefit from help in this area of their life, home care personnel are trained and skilled in these tasks. Home care personnel don't just ensure your loved one gets the care and support they need at home, but they can also make sure your loved one medications are properly managed and…

    • 478 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Essay On Senior Living

    • 439 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Senior living personnel can assist your senior loved one commit to a safe and efficient exercise program, shop for nutritious food, and provide emotional support.…

    • 439 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Depression among older adults is common in the aging process. There are many steps that thy can take in order to overcome the sign and Symptoms. Depression has an effect on the way they live their daily life style. There are also many causes that contribute on depression of older adults.…

    • 646 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Senior Moving

    • 572 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Professional home care is a great way to ensure that your loved one's well-being is in more than capable hands. Your loved one can get assistance with companionship, meal preparations, feedings, bathing, getting dress, and having someone to run light errands. It can be difficult for seniors to open up their doors to complete strangers. So, it is important to address their concerns, and provide them with accurate information about the care they will be receiving. Many seniors are resistant at first because they do not understand the home care process. To find out more about professional home care for a senior loved one contact…

    • 572 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Depression is a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness, and poor concentration. Depression can be long-lasting or recurrent, substantially impairing an individual’s ability to function at work or school or cope with daily life. At its most severe, depression can lead to suicide. When mild, people can be treated without professional talking treatments (who.int, 2013). People who have dementia may suffer from depression. Depression and anxiety are common psychological conditions that are frequently experienced by people with dementia and their carers. A person with both dementia and depression will be struggling with two lots of difficulties. They may find it even harder to remember things and may be more confused or withdrawn. Depression may also worsen behavioral symptoms in people with dementia, causing aggression, problems sleeping or refusal to eat. In the later stages of dementia, depression tends to show itself in the form of depressive 'signs', such as tearfulness and weight loss. Dealing with dementia will be difficult and many people who have dementia will be confused which could lead to depression. People with dementia are no longer in control of their body and their mind, this therefore can affect their thoughts and may lead to them being aware of this which may cause them to be depressed. People who suffer from dementia have difficulties with their everyday activities such as getting dressed for example if they refuse help from a carer then…

    • 1768 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Elderly Legislation Paper

    • 850 Words
    • 4 Pages

    In today's day and age, the shuffle of everyday life can be inundating. With most families having both parents in the work force to sustain a whole household or with the absence of one parent into a single parent household. Making it even more difficult financial and adding to overall stress. It is unfortunate to say but at times we sacrifice our loved ones, whether it be young children or our elderly family members. Both young children and the elderly need constant supervision and assistance with their ADL. That's to say not all of the elderly population has family to look after their well being. A large number of the elderly…

    • 850 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays