The difficult changes that many elderly individuals face—such as the death of a spouse or medical problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. But depression is not a normal or necessary part of aging. In fact, most seniors are satisfied with their lives despite the challenges of growing old. Left alone, depression not only prevents older adults from enjoying life like they could be, it also takes a heavy toll on health. But if you learn how to spot the signs of depression and find effective ways to help, you or your loved ones can remain happy and vibrant throughout the golden years. Loss is painful—whether a loss of independence, mobility, health, your long-time career, or someone you love. Grieving over these losses is normal, even if the feelings of sadness last for weeks or months. Losing all hope and joy, however, is not normal. It’s depression.
Although depression in the elderly is a common problem, only a small percentage get the help they need. There are many reasons depression in older adults is so often overlooked: Some assume seniors have good reason to be down or that depression is just part of aging. Elderly adults are often isolated, with few around to notice their distress. Physicians are more likely to ignore depression in older patients, concentrating instead on physical complaints. Finally, many depressed seniors are reluctant to talk about their feelings or ask for help. The consequences of this oversight are high. Untreated depression poses serious risks for older adults, including illness, alcohol and prescription drug abuse, a higher mortality rate, and even suicide. So it’s important to watch for the warning signs and seek professional help when you recognize it. The good news is that with treatment and support, depressed seniors can feel better. No one, whether they’re 18 or 80, has to live with depression.
Many elderly adults face significant life changes and stressors that put them at risk for depression. Those at the highest risk include older adults with a personal or family history of depression, failing health, substance abuse problems, or inadequate social support. There are several reasons for depression. Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges. Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities. Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease. Many prescription medications can trigger or exacerbate depression. Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues. The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.
Recognizing depression in the elderly starts with knowing the signs and symptoms. Older adults don't always fit the typical picture of depression. Many depressed seniors don’t claim to feel sad at all. They may complain, instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or headaches that have gotten worse, are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly. Older adults with depression are also more likely to show symptoms of anxiety or irritability. They may constantly wring their hands, pace around the room, or fret obsessively about money, their health, or the state of the world.
These services are provided by trained, committed professionals called CAREGivers – who, for the most part, will not have to be licensed by the states in which they work. However, in some states, “personal care” licensure will be necessary for certain services such as bathing; this [IS/IS NOT] the case with our franchise here in [INSERT CITY NAME.] Either way, however, Home Instead Senior Care requires that its CAREGivers be the most skilled and trusted in the business. This starts with a careful evaluation and screening process that includes each applicant providing six references. Those selected are insured and bonded. Then, they undergo the best training in the industry: an ongoing, multi-phased program that turns compassionate individuals into extraordinary CAREGivers.
And, what’s more, these non-medical services are provided wherever seniors call home – be it a private residence, senior apartment community or assisted living facility (ALF). Indeed, Home Instead Senior Care frequently can help slow down a client’s progression along the care continuum that typically sees a senior moving from home or apartment to ALF, and ultimately, to a nursing home. It’s also worth noting that Home Instead Senior Care can be a tremendous help to those who are providing informal care to seniors. Typically, this role is occupied by family members, who, logically enough, are called “family caregivers.”
Full-time caregivers, or those heavily involved in the caregiving process, must guard against burnout and stress. In fact, according to a recent Home Instead Senior Care survey, 31% of family caregivers would like assistance, and 25% resent family members who don’t help more. In addition, the basic stresses of family caregiving can be exacerbated when a caregiver has other responsibilities such as a job; children; a busy social life; some distance to travel to provide care for an aging parent or relative; and so on. Moreover, caregiving can be particularly hard for a spouse, especially when the care recipient requires around-the-clock assistance.
So, it’s not surprising to find that most family caregivers struggle to balance the task of caring for an aging parent or relative with other major life responsibilities. This often means that these caregivers have little time left to care for themselves – which can result in their experiencing high stress levels and resultant health problems. In fact, according to this same survey, 55 percent of family caregivers appear to have average or significant levels of stress. The problem, of course, is that when caregivers neglect self care, they end up incapable of assisting those seniors who need their help in the first place.
For example, Home Instead Senior Care and Caring Today Magazine recently held an essay contest – one that, not surprisingly, had the theme of caregiving. One prize-winning entry put it succinctly: “A worn-out caregiver is good to no one.” So, you see that our brand of non-medical care can have significant positive effects on health, safety, and quality life for seniors, and in many cases, their loved ones, as well. For instance, a recent study led by Purdue University researchers indicated that for older adults living on their own, receiving just a few hours of help a day with basic activities of daily living can markedly reduce their likelihood of being admitted to a hospital or nursing home. Now, this is the kind of positive outcome that benefits not only our clients, but also their families and friends.
I hope you’ve found my presentation today to be useful and informative, and please remember that I’m happy to serve at any time as a resource for you on caregiving-, senior-or aging-related issues. If you’d like to learn more about our services, or if you’re interested in employment as a Home Instead CAREGiver, please contact me at my office – a local, independently owned and operated Home Instead Senior Care franchise.
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