Depression is one of the most common problems among aging adults, with more than 7 million elderly people diagnosed and treated for depression each year. Seeing a senior loved one experience depression can be upsetting. Here are four simple ways to help your loved one.
1. Encourage Activity
Exercise is an effective means of combating depression, so find simple ways to get your loved one moving. Taking a brief walk together can boost mood, relieve stress, and stimulate the release of feel-good brain chemicals. Engaging in mental activity can also fight depression, so drawing your loved one into conversation, doing a puzzle, or looking at photos together can provide a workout for the brain that will fight his or her feelings of depression.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust homecare experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
2. Monitor Symptoms
While crying and feeling sad are typically what people imagine depression looks like, most symptoms are less obvious. The standard depressive behaviors usually include moodiness, withdrawal, angry outbursts, lack of interest in favorite activities or socialization, and changes in eating or sleep patterns. If you notice your loved one has two or more of these symptoms, contact his or her doctor for psychological screening.
A senior with depression can benefit a great deal from the assistance and companionship of a compassionate professional caregiver. For families living in Oklahoma City, Respite Care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Lifestar Home Care , we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
3. Be Patient & Supportive
Depression can make your loved one challenging to be with. Your loved one may withdraw, refuse your help, or be excessively angry and agitated. In intense moments or during times when your loved one withdraws, the best thing you can do is stay calm and collected and remind yourself that these bouts of unusual or aggressive behaviors are symptoms of the condition.
4. Learn More
Depression is a complex disorder that can disrupt many aspects of your loved one’s life. The better you understand it, the more successful you’ll be at helping your loved one manage the symptoms. Ask your loved one’s doctor for informational materials or check out books about depression from your local library to learn more. While there’s no guaranteed cure, there are many routes of treatment that may help your loved one combat depression.
Emotional issues can have a significant impact on aging adults’ overall health and wellbeing. Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality Home care. Oklahoma City families trust Lifestar Home Care to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Call us today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.