What Every Home Health Aide Needs to Know about Depression in Older Adults
It’s no secret that home health aides are some of the most important people in any elderly person’s life, and that’s especially true when it comes to mental health. As adults get older, many symptoms of depression are confused for symptoms of other, common illnesses. Because home health aides spend so much time with those who they are caring for, they are in a unique position to get a good read on someone’s mental health. If you suspect someone you are caring for is suffering from depression, keep an eye out for some of these symptoms.
Sleeping difficulties
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there is a strong link between sleeping problems and major depression. Many people who suffer from depression report either not being able to fall asleep or sleeping too often as one of the main reasons they are seeking treatment. If you notice that someone you are caring for is having difficulty with sleeping, try to talk to them about what’s going on and see if there are deeper reasons behind their sleep problems. While fatigue could be related to a number of other illnesses, it is one of the most common side effects of major depression and should not be overlooked.
Feelings of loneliness or pessimism
Later in life, many people report feeling lonely due to many of their friends or loved ones passing away. But feelings of grief, loneliness or pessimism that last for more than two weeks are often signs of a deeper issue that could result in major depression. It is important to keep a close eye on older adults who seem persistently lonely or pessimistic and offer them help.
Appetite/weight changes
Many medications and illnesses can cause appetite and weight changes, but if these changes appear out of nowhere, it is important to talk and see if major depression is causing this. If you are a home health aide for someone, keep close track of what they are eating and if their weight is changing more than a couple of pounds at a time.