Did you know that a percentage of seniors think that it’s “normal” to experience depression as they age? While it is normal to feel down from time to time due to the loss of a loved one, chronic illness, or an inability to participate in the activities you used to enjoy, depression is a mental health condition you need to seek help for. As the caregiver or loved one of an older adult, you may have noticed concerning signs of depression. Read on for some tips on managing seniors’ depression.
Watch Out for Changes
Depression is not to be taken lightly as it can lead to suicide in some cases. As someone who’s around your loved one often, make it a point to notice any changes in their mood or behavior that seem concerning. Thankfully, depression is treatable and the earlier you catch it, the sooner you can get help for your loved one.
Identify Possible Triggers
If you can identify what could be causing your loved one to feel depressed, this can go a long way towards removing the root cause. Is your loved one suffering from social isolation due to aging in place? Do they require more assistance than you can provide, but don’t want to be seen as a burden to you? It may be time to consider long-term care arrangements in this case, such as personal care services in a retirement community.
Monitor Medications Closely
Does your loved one seem to have made a rapid change ever since starting on a certain medication? This is one reason why medication management is so important. Staying on top of each medication your loved one is on as well as their dosages are essential. Not only can this help to prevent unwanted side effects from mixing inappropriate medications, but you can also trace any symptoms of depression back to a possible medical source.
Enlist Your Doctor’s Help
If you are unsure whether what you are observing in your loved one is indeed depression, enlist the help of their doctor. When your loved one goes in for a routine health check, get them to screen for depression on top of all the usual screenings. Even if you have just the slightest hint of suspicion, always consult a mental health professional to get help for your loved one, especially if you lack the necessary training and knowledge to help them yourself.
Moving into Hidden Meadows On The Ridge Keeps Social Isolation at Bay
Our residents love life at Hidden Meadows On The Ridge for many reasons. One of them is the packed program of events & activities that’s always ongoing. Regardless of your or your loved one’s specific interests and hobbies, there’s always something to do and someone to do it with. If you would like to find out more about what our senior living community has to offer, we welcome you to schedule a tour with us at a convenient time and date for you today.
