Elder Care Services Tips: How to Spot Signs of Depression

We all feel a little blue sometimes, but if you notice that your loved one is frequently feeling sad, lethargic, or lonely, they may be suffering from depression. Elder care services have seen depression many times before, but this does not mean that it needs to be accepted as a normal part of the aging process. Senior care services in Milford are becoming more and more aware of the serious effects that depression can have on older adults, and it’s important to be able to spot these signs and to help your loved one should they become depressed. Some common symptoms of depression in senior citizens include:

• Sadness or feelings of worthlessness/despair
• Intentionally neglecting self-care (avoiding personal hygiene, skipping medication, skipping meals when he or she has proven that they can handle these tasks before)
• Changes in sleep patterns- sleeping too much or feeling very restless and being unable to sleep.
• Unexplained aches and pains, especially headaches
• Slowed movement and speech
• Fixation on death or thoughts of suicide, even in passing

Many medical conditions can cause depression as a side effect, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, dementia and thyroid disorders. Medications like those used to correct blood pressure can also cause or worsen depression in older adults. If you notice that your loved one is self-medicating with alcohol or drugs not prescribed to them, this can be a particularly worrying sign; many older adults are on medications, and many of these medications have properties that make them dangerous when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Additionally, alcohol impairs brain functioning, which can lead to lower-quality sleep and thus exaggerated symptoms.

If you have a loved one who is showing signs of depression, elder care services can help to get them feeling like themselves again. One of the common symptoms of depression in senior citizens is a lack of motivation to engage in personal hygiene tasks or meal preparation. Elder care services like Visiting Angels of Nashua, NH can help to alleviate some of these symptoms by getting your loved one out of their own head by providing assistance along with a smile and a friendly, familiar face. Together with you, your loved one’s care team, and their doctor, we can help to lower the rate of depression in older adults and help more of our senior citizens live long and fulfilling lives.

Visiting Angels of Auburn, NH provides in home care services to families in Auburn, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Dunbarton, Londonderry, Raymond, Salem, Manchester, Hooksett, Bedford, Suncook, Weare, Concord, Bow, Atkinson, Deerfield, Sandown, Hampstead, Chester, Fremont, Allenstown, Pembroke, Hopkinton, Danville, and other areas around Auburn, New Hampshire.