Have you noticed your senior parents lacking the desire to do the things they previously did for fun? Maybe their daily routines no longer include things they once enjoyed or overall they just seem rundown.
Now more than ever, it is crucial to check on our aging friends and family to ensure their isolation is not leading to depression. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), of the 35 million people in the US aged 65 and older, almost 7 million suffer from depression. Social isolation is one of the top causes of depression in seniors. Although depression can have serious, long-lasting side effects, it is also preventable if you notice the warning signs early.
1. Check In Regularly
Maintaining frequent contact with your aging loved ones is important for not only noticing the first signs of depression, but for helping them maintain their mental health. Whether you are able to safely visit in person, or you utilize calls or other technology to check in, this could have profound effects on keeping depression and other mental health issues at bay.
If you or someone you know needs assistance setting up technology to stay in touch with their family and friends or they need some extra help scheduling weekly calls, Marin Home Care can help! Our warm, compassionate caregivers can help set up these regular check ins.
2. Familiarize Yourself With The Warning Signs
Another crucial step in preventing depression is knowing exactly what to look for. Depression isn’t just feeling sad. According to the National Institute on Aging, depression can manifest in many other ways in seniors such as the following examples:
- Exhaustion and/or trouble sleeping or staying asleep
- Feeling moody or irritable
- Confusion or trouble concentrating (not related to Alzheimers or Dementia)
- Noticable changes in diet (eating significantly more or less)
Additionally, health issues can cause depression. Any condition that causes restriction in blood flow could potentially cause depression or worsen existing mental health issues in seniors. For more information on the causes and symptoms of depression in aging adults, please visit the following link : https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults
3. Listen & Let Them Express Themselves
For many seniors, feeling depressed or anxious is not something they are often willing to be upfront about. In their generation, there is often a stigma around addressing mental health. Create an open dialogue and reassure them that depression and mental health issues as a whole are not taboo topics and you are not there to judge them, but simply to help them navigate these issues with respect and compassion.
Additionally, once these lines of communication are opened and established, ask the seniors in your life what would make them happy. Do they miss attending weekly get togethers or bingo? Set up a bingo night, whether in person or virtually. There are many new ways to engage with our aging loved ones through technology or in person that can make a big difference in their lives.
Looking for ideas on how to engage the seniors in your life to prevent isolation and depression, or are you looking for someone to provide companionship? Marin Home Care has caregivers ready to help!
4. Stay Involved In Their Medical Care & Wellness
While we may no longer be able to attend medical visits with those we love, staying on top of medical issues and their overall health and wellness can make a big difference for seniors. It can be difficult to manage appointments and ensure they are drinking plenty of water and maintaining a healthy diet. Simple reminders or joining appointments virtually can help keep seniors physically healthy, which is an important factor in fighting depression.
Additionally, depression can be easily managed in collaboration with your health care providers. There are many beneficial methods of handling and overcoming depression, but the first step is ensuring seniors feel supported in their medical care. From medications to therapy, there are so many ways to tackle depression and help seniors continue to thrive while they age.
Marin Home Care can help connect you with a nutritionist or provide caregivers that can accompany you or someone you know to appointments as well as ensure dietary needs are met on a regular basis.
5. Ask For Help!
Resources for managing mental health struggles are easy to find and completely confidential. The National Institute on Aging, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Marin County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services all provide free help to anyone in need of support. We have included their links below for your reference. Each organization has years of experience and tools to help you and those you love on your journey with depression.
https://www.marinhhs.org/behavioral-health-recovery-services
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults
https://www.namimarin.org/
If managing your own depression is becoming difficult, or you’re looking for support to help a loved one struggling with depression or other mental health issues, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Marin Home Care’s team of skilled caregivers have years of experience and have many trainings available to help them navigate you or someone you know through dealing with depression.
For your complementary home care assessment , please call us at (415) 712-1917. Our Director of Care Management, Caroline Glassell, looks forward to guiding you through the process of establishing in-home care and can answer any questions you may have. You are not alone in your journey with depression or mental health issues.