Depression does not have to be a normal part of aging, but millions of seniors do battle depression every day. When family caregivers understand the symptoms of depression and recognize them, they’re better prepared to help their aging adults get the support they need. One tool that can be incredibly helpful with senior depression is companion care at home.
Loss of Interest in Daily Life
One of the biggest signs of depression in seniors is a loss of interest in daily life and the activities they once enjoyed. That might include giving up hobbies, no longer spending time with family and friends, or even avoiding going outside. When seniors are depressed, they tend to avoid the things that used to give them pleasure and meaning in daily life.
Increased Physical Ailments
Depression can manifest as emotional distress, but also as physical pain and discomfort. Seniors who are depressed may not realize that they’re experiencing more physical issues because of depression. Some of the issues they might experience could include headaches, digestive problems, chronic pain, and more.
Changes in Sleeping Habits
Seniors also can experience changes in their sleeping habits when they’re depressed. They might have more trouble falling asleep, but they could also find that they’re waking up throughout the night or experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness. All of these sleep issues make seniors more exhausted and can exacerbate depression even more.
Cognitive Changes
Seniors who are experiencing depression may also find that it’s more difficult to think. They may have trouble with concentration, memory, and even making decisions. These cognitive changes can be concerning and may cause seniors and family caregivers to worry about other things, like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Recovering from depression often reverses these cognitive issues.
Social Withdrawal
Depression causes people to want to be alone more, and that’s especially true for seniors. They may find that they’re not answering phone calls anymore or they’re declining invitations more often than they did in the past. The problem is that social withdrawal can worsen depression instead of helping anything. Companion care at home can be a great answer because seniors have companionship without judgment.
Excessive Worrying
Seniors might start to worry more or ruminate when they’re battling depression. These worries can be about future events or about what’s happening right then. Excessive worrying greatly impacts quality of life and can cause seniors to have trouble with daily activities. Home care providers can be a huge help in ensuring that seniors have the help they need to be as safe as possible. As a benefit, elder care providers also offer companionship that can help to battle depression.
It isn’t always easy to recognize these signs of depression in seniors. What can help is for seniors to have visits from companion care at home on a regular basis. Companion caregivers can easily recognize when seniors are experiencing depression and can help them to get the assistance they need to deal with this issue before it becomes too big to manage.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Weston, MA, please contact the caring staff at PlatinumCare + today. Call (617) 237-0867.
PlatinumCare + was born out of the desire and passion to provide the very best home health care possible in Brookline, Dover, Newton, Needham, Watertown, Weston, Cambridge, Lincoln, Sudbury, Belmont, Boston MA, and surrounding areas.
All with decades of experience, Tim in IT Operations, Support, and Management, Brenda in Client Relations, Healthcare Services & Sales Management, and Anne in Healthcare as a Nurse Practitioner combined their skills to form what is now PlatinumCare +.
As immigrants to the US, all came from backgrounds where Healthcare for aging parents was a responsibility of the immediate family and the entire community. Aging, sick, or terminal community members were cared for physically, emotionally, and financially by family, friends, including strangers! This community approach, Healthcare with a difference, delivered with the utmost love, care, sacrifice, and passion, forms the basis of how PlatinumCare + grounds itself.
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