How Can In-Home Care Services from Visiting Angels Central Coast Help Seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties Combat Depression?
In-home care services from Visiting Angels can help seniors in Scotts Valley, Watsonville, Carmel, Aptos, Santa Cruz, Marina and nearby cities in California manage symptoms of depression
Although depression is not a normal part of aging, it affects many seniors in the Central Coast region of California. Untreated depression can make it more difficult to recover from illness or injury. It can also have a negative effect on quality of life, affecting everything from appetite to socialization to physical activity.
Recognizing depression symptoms in older adults and taking steps to improve mental health can vastly improve your senior loved one’s overall well-being. Visiting Angels Central Coast can also help your loved one by providing attentive in-home care services and friendly companionship.
Common Symptoms of Depression in the Elderly
Depression is not always obvious in older adults. Some individuals may experience sadness, while others do not. Instead, they may feel more helpless or hopeless. They might also feel like they're a burden to their family.
With that in mind, the following symptoms are common signs of depression in seniors:
- Memory problems
- Changes in appetite
- Poor personal hygiene
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of energy or motivation
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, like hobbies
- Complaints about aches and pains unrelated to another condition
If you notice these symptoms, discuss your concerns with your loved ones and their doctor. They should be evaluated for depression and receive appropriate medical treatment. Be sure to disclose any current medications because depression can be a side effect of some prescribed drugs.
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Your Loved One Tackle Depression
If you’re worried your loved one is showing signs of depression, there are many behavioral adjustments that can assist them in improving their mood and lowering their risk of depression.
Reduce isolation. Many older adults live alone and may have difficulty getting to and from social events. They may also have a limited number of visitors. Ensure that your loved ones have access to social opportunities and transportation to get there. Help them plan lunches with friends, church trips, community events and visits with family and friends. Remind them that they enjoy spending time with others.
Encourage physical activity. Exercise improves mood by releasing endorphins. Encourage your loved ones to sign up for fitness classes at the Downtown Senior Center in Santa Cruz, go for walks together at the Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, take them swimming at the Pattullo Swim Center in Seaside or try livestreaming yoga classes from Santa Cruz Yoga over Zoom. Staying active is good for our joints, muscles, balance and coordination—all essential for mobility.
Introduce new activities. Trying new hobbies keeps the mind active and challenges seniors to learn new things. The satisfaction of doing something fun and seeing improvement can be extremely rewarding for your loved one. They may even make new friends with similar interests.
Consider professional in-home care services. Depression in seniors can arise from illness, injury or disability. If your loved one needs assistance due to age-related difficulties, a caregiver from Visiting Angels Central Coast can help with meal planning and preparation, running errands, light housekeeping, getting dressed for the day and providing companionship. With our in-home care services, your senior loved one can maintain their independence and age in place while preserving social ties—which improves their mental health and reduces depression.
To learn how our in-home care services help seniors in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties combat depression, call Visiting Angels Central Coast at 831-430-0616 to schedule a free in-home consultation.