Daily Archives: December 17, 2015

Signs of Elderly Depression

Aging, Long Term Care

One in five Americans aged 65 and older are affected by depression. That means over 20 percent of the aging population is affected, making recognizing signs of elderly depression in the elderly increasingly important.

Although the rate of depression in the elderly population is relatively high, that does not mean that it is a normal part of aging. Depression can affect anyone, at any age, but there are several risk factors that put older adults at higher risk.

Risk Factors For Depression In Older Adults

  1. Difficult life events and changes in personal circumstances
  2. Losing loved ones and friends
  3. Loneliness and isolation
  4. Lack of social support
  5. Pain and physical illness
  6. Being a victim of crime or abuse
  7. Financial crisis
  8. Family history or past episodes of depression
  9. Moving accommodations
  10. Alcohol abuse
  11. Over medicating

Recognizing the risk factors for older adults allows you to realize when a loved one might be at risk for depression, and to be able to prevent possible negative repercussions. As the risk factors vary with different age groups, it is important to be familiar with the factors for older adults specifically. Elderly people also display symptoms of depression differently than younger adults, so it is important to recognize age-specific symptoms of depression as well.

Symptoms Of Depression In Older Adults

  1. Psychotic Symptoms
    1. Delusions
    2. Auditory hallucinations
    3. Catatonic features
  2. Cognitive Symptoms
    1. Disorientation
    2. Memory loss
    3. Poor concentration
    4. Easily distracted
    5. Apathy
  3. Behavioral Symptoms
    1. Feeling melancholy
    2. Anorexia or excessive eating
    3. Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
    4. Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
    5. Thoughts of suicide
    6. Anergia
    7. Inappropriate feelings of guilt
    8. Pyschomotor retardation
    9. Note: sometimes medications can cause some of these same symptoms

Depression is a serious illness, and whether it affects people young or old, the condition's many symptoms make it very difficult for the individual to overcome it, or find a way out on their own. While depression affects around 6 million Americans aged 65 and over, only about 10 percent actually receive treatment. Perhaps this is because risk factors and symptoms are different in older adults and make recognizing the disease more difficult. Another factor could be the fact that seniors were raised in a generation when the disease was a stigma, and are afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

Given the fact that depression can increase the risk for other serious diseases in older adults, it is important to make every effort to recognize and help get treatment for a loved one suffering. If you are caring for a depressed elderly person, you can make a difference by supporting them emotionally and making a point to be involved in their lives. Although you might not have the answer to fix their situations, sometimes just listening and giving support, companionship and love is enough to make a difference.

However, if you feel any concern, don't hesitate to contact a medical doctor for help and support. Also, if you are concerned about your loved one feeling isolated or lonely, and you don't have the chance to be around as much as you would like, you could consider a caregiver. Whitsyms refers care providers that can perform many useful duties, and provide companionship and excitement for your loved one, so you don't have to worry. Call toll-free at 1-800-952-3881 to schedule a free consultation to discuss all of your options and find a caregiver that is right for you and your loved one.

 

Do I Need Respite Care?

All Posts, Long Term Care Options

As we age, most people wish to remain in their own homes for a number of reasons. Being home is familiar and comfortable, and can decrease the physical, mental, and financial stress of moving into a facility. However, remaining at home can start to cause safety concerns if mental and physical health conditions are not managed or monitored properly.

A common option when you decide that your aging loved one needs assistance to stay at home is to take on the role of caregiver yourself, either by moving in with your parents, or having them move in with you. This can be a situation that takes time to adjust to, and can even cause family tension. This is why it is important to talk openly to your parents or loved one about issues such as needs, expectations, and setting boundaries.

As the sole family caregiver, it is easy to become overburdened by the added stress and responsibilities of caregiving duties, in addition to your own personal and professional duties. It is important to be aware of your limitations, and to take time for yourself to avoid caregiver burnout, and to recognize when it is time to seek professional aid, which can come in the form of Respite Care.

What is Respite Care?

Respite Care is all about taking care of the caregiver, since providing care for an elderly or ill loved one can start to take a mental and physical toll on your well-being. Respite Care offers family caregivers temporary relief from the physical and emotional burdens of caregiving, reducing stress and preserving family stability. Respite Care is an important part of an overall home care strategy, and can offer services in the home, or a variety of other settings.

  • In-Home Respite
    • A referred care provider can be brought into the home for a specified period of time to provide oversight and care for your loved one, allowing you to leave the home and/or have personal time to take care of your own needs.
  • Alzheimer’s Respite
    • Respite is especially important when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, as it can be a physically and mentally draining task. By having a Respite care provider who specializes in Alzheimer's Care, you can take a break to give you time for your own duties, so you can return refreshed and healthy.
  • Hospital Support
    • Qualified care providers can perform additional support during a stay at the hospital, giving your loved one constant care and attention during some, or all, of their stay, and keeping family members up-to-date.
  • Overnight
    • Sometimes you need a temporary care provider to stay with your loved one overnight if you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, or need to travel. With overnight Respite Care, your loved one will be safely looked after, ensuring safety and companionship while you’re away.
  • Travel Care
    • If you are planning a trip with your loved one and need extra assistance during your travels, a travel care provider can travel with you and perform care. They will be discreet and compassionate, allowing your family to enjoy the trip and each other’s company, while keeping your loved one safe and properly looked after.

When Should You Consider Respite Care?

There are certain times that having the assistance of a certified and professional care provider can be invaluable. There are certain situations where you should always seek professional assistance for the safety of both you and your loved one, but there will also be less specific times when you feel like you need help or need a break, and it is important to listen to that, and not be afraid or hesitant to seek out help. You should consider Respite Care when:

  • You need to travel overnight for business or pleasure (it is important to take personal vacations!)
  • Your elderly parent or loved one needs to transfer from one location to another, or is staying somewhere for an extended period of time (like a surgery center, rehab facility, hospital, etc).
  • Help is needed with daily activities of living, or skilled care following a hospitalization, surgery, injury, or illness.
  • Your parent or loved one wants to be at home while undergoing intense medical treatment, such as chemotherapy.
  • You feel mentally or physically exhausted, and need time for yourself to rest or perform personal duties.

At American In-Home Care, we always refer qualified, screened, care providers that can assist you with your Respite Care needs. Contact a Client Care Liaison at any time to set up a free assessment of your in-home care needs; they can provide you with additional information about which care options are right for you and your family. We are available to take calls 24/7 at 1-844-505-0004.