Preventing Senior Depression with Elder Care
Senior Depression: Elder Care Haverford PA
Seniors face many changes as they age. From the inability to do things they once enjoyed to losing loved ones and friends, it can sometimes feel like they are on a never-ending roller coaster.
Depression may set in as a result of these changes. Providing seniors with extra support through elder care can benefit seniors by reducing the risk of depression, allowing for more open communication, and monitoring the concerns of loved ones.
What Does Depression Look Like in Seniors
At first glance, depression may be challenging to diagnose in seniors. When mixed with chronic conditions or other changes in their lives, depression may be seen as a small part, but it can have a significant impact. Depression may be linked to higher incidences of cardiac disease, difficulty healing after an injury, or even ongoing physical illnesses. Common depressive signs to look for in seniors are listed below.
- Increased episodes of feeling tired
- Changes in mood that result in irritability
- Moments of confusion
- Withdrawal from beloved activities
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Consistent aches and pains that are not associated with an illness or injury
Monitoring changes in seniors’ attitudes and behavior is crucial for a proper assessment. Skilled elder care professionals are trained to look for signs of depression, which can assist with a timely diagnosis.
Risk Factors for Depression in Seniors
Physical conditions, living situations, and a history of depression all contribute to an increased risk of depression in seniors. Consider the following list of risk factors when assessing depression in seniors.
- Female seniors
- Seniors who do not have a partner
- Seniors without social connections
- An increase in stress-related events
- Physical conditions that impact their usual way of life
- Chronic or severe pain
- Losing freedoms
- Medications that increase depression risks
The risks listed are just a sampling. Each senior handles changes differently. It’s important to talk with seniors often about their feelings and concerns to notice signs of depression.
Ways to Handle Depression in Seniors
There are many ways to help seniors work through depression. Additionally, these same tips can be used to prevent depression from occurring. The most important thing to remember is to be consistent and caring. Building a support system that works with seniors to improve their health and well-being is also essential, especially when loved ones aren’t able to be with seniors as often as they would like.
One of the first things to consider in decreasing depression is seniors’ sleep schedule. A lack of or too much sleep can increase depression and other changes in mood or personality. Seniors who live alone may find themselves sleeping at odd times or napping during the day. Adding activities during the day, planned by an elder care team, gives seniors a purpose and eliminates napping.
That sense of purpose also helps decrease depression. Participating in group activities or volunteering outside the home reminds seniors they are worthy and needed. These activities also increase socialization, vital as seniors age and another way to combat depression.
Monitoring signs of depression and creating a schedule that helps seniors feel appreciated is only one of the ways that elder care can improve the life of seniors. They can also assist with cooking and cleaning, improving seniors’ outlook. To ensure seniors’ continued health and well-being, surround them with the support they need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Elder Care in Haverford, PA, and the surrounding area, please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544
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Ibrahim recently completed a Professional Certificate in Management; He is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) at a prestigious university in the UK.
With their passion for helping others and a strong background in customer services and clinical care, Ibrahim and his wife started assisting individuals in their homes.
Since started and operating Suma Home Care in 2010 in the basement of their home, Suma Home Care has provided professionals who work endlessly in providing clients with the highest quality of care, while enabling clients to maintain dignity, comfort and safety in their homes.
Suma Home Care, serves four counties in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Ibrahim is firmly connected to his local community and is always looking for ways to give back whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Ibrahim enjoys spending time with his wife and children, travelling and enjoys sports.
Mariama Suma-Keita BSN RN
Born in Sierra Leone west Africa, relocated to America in 1999 from a civil war and settled since in the U.S.A as a Naturalized citizen Graduated from National school of nursing with an associate , and completed BSN in Nursing from Immaculata University graduated with Honor roll Alpha Lambda sigma, After escaping the war served as a refugee nurse in Gambia and Guinea to other displaced refugees before coming to America.
In the states started in Homecare then then transition into hospital, worked in Jefferson hospital as a Registered nurse on Tele and general medsurg floor, also worked in Einstein hospital as an oncology transplant nurse , I realized that I enjoy working with patients so much and believe in quality and compassionate care one at a time dealing with an holistic approach in caring for patients and family in a familiar environment called home , I see the impact and progress when they’re home , it makes them feel relax and progress fast with recovering at home. As a nurse and entrepreneur I understand that dedication to meeting people and families needs is a priority, and able to foster relationships with family and patients that is professional and friendly to help them stay and settled home as a desire.
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