How to Tell if Your Senior is Depressed and Where to Get help

As families gather around for the holidays, concerns may arise in regards to your senior’s mental and physical health. One of the most widespread health problems for the elderly can be depression, making it vital for families to know the symptoms and where their senior can receive help.

• Loss of appetite—A change in appetite usually results in the most common sign a senior is depressed of unintentional weight loss.

• Generally disinterest—Seniors may lose interest in daily activities they once enjoyed or found pleasing.

• Sleepless nights—A depressed senior may have trouble sleeping through the night. This can also explain another sign your senior is depressed, increased fatigue.

• Increased Irritability—Some seniors’ personalities turn increasingly agitated or dispirited when feeling low or depressed.

• Unusual thoughts about death—Abnormal notions about death and dying arise in a down senior.

• Where to get a geriatric assessment—Phoenix Seniors and senior caregivers can receive help and more information on these depression signs by visiting their primary care physician or other outlets such as hospitals, senior centers, religious affiliations, Medicaid offices, or a local Area Agency on Aging.

Source: National Pace Association

Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors live safely at home. Call 623.583.5868, 602.265.8228 or 480.991.3959 for Home Care and Independence.

Senior depression is an unfortunate reality of getting older for many seniors. After witnessing many drastic changes and tragedies throughout the later years of their lives, it’s no surprise that seniors may struggle with their morale. However, that doesn’t mean that we as friends, family members, and caregivers of seniors have to stand by idly and let a senior suffer with depression in silence; we can step in and help boost their morale by making a positive impact on their lifestyle.

4 Ways to Boost Senior Morale:

1) Encourage physical activity – exercise releases hormones which can help stave off depression. Instead of sitting around at home during a visit with a senior, go out for a walk or pick another activity that’s well suited to the senior’s physical capabilities.

2) Create social situations – the best way to boost senior morale and prevent loneliness is to get them involved in social situations. Invite your senior to a party or encourage them to join a social activity.

3) Help maintain a healthy diet – studies have proven that a well-balanced diet can prevent depression, so keep your senior’s fridge well stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables.

4) Offer support – if your efforts just don’t seem to boost your senior’s morale or they continue to struggle with elderly depression, make sure they know you are willing to listen to anything on their mind. If they aren’t comfortable talking with a friend or family member, encourage them to speak with a counselor or join a support group for seniors.

A great solution for family members of elderly loved ones living in an Assisted Living facility - hire a caregiver companion to help your senior loved one accomplish one or all four of the above suggestions.

Sources:

1. Senior Journal: Kara Gavin

2. Everyday Health

Image Source: pro.corbis.com

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.

While you may have noticed changes in your cognitive processes, receiving a diagnosis that you have dementia may turn your world upside down. While it may seem like your whole life will become consumed by the grief that comes with the diagnosis, dementia is something that you can manage to cope with so it doesn’t’ take over your life. You need to be aware that dementia may be caused by a variety of different ailments including depression, excessive drinking, stroke and sometimes can be a temporary condition.  Dementia therefore does not always precede Alzheimers and the two are not the same disease.

When you first learn you have dementia, take the opportunity to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to better understand the disease and how you can cope with it. Join a Phoenix support group for senior dementia or Alzheimer’s sufferers if you feel that would be beneficial, read up on dementia online, and talk to your doctor about what to expect. Get your affairs in order, from your finances to a living will and talk to your family about your wishes for the future as the dementia progresses. Since routine tasks may become more challenging with dementia, to reduce stress, choose activities that are less demanding; including career-based responsibilities and even hobbies. Don’t get yourself down if you can’t do things like you used to; instead focus on the contributions that you’re making to your family and your community.

Seniors with dementia will also boost their spirits by maintaining as much independence as possible. Living independently at home with assistance from a Phoenix professional or family caregiver will help you to maintain the lifestyle you’re accustomed to.

Sources:
1.    Alzheimer’s Society UK
2.    DementiaGuide

Greater Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative & Central Phoenix Assisted Living Alternative helps elders and seniors in Phoenix remain at home safely and independently. Call us today at 623-583-5868, 602.265.8228 or 480-991-3959.