Is Depression Affecting Your Loved One’s Quality of Life?

Senior Care in Fairfax County VA

Contrary to what many believe, depression is not just a normal part of aging.  Though it is common for seniors to experience depression, it can and should be treated and managed.  Ignoring your loved one’s symptoms of depression or writing them off as “normal” can be very detrimental to their quality of life.  Often, a person with depression may not be able to take the steps to getting it treated on their own, so it is up to caregivers to offer their help and support.  Read on to learn more about the causes and symptoms of depression in seniors and what you can do to help your loved one if they are suffering from depression.

What are the causes of depression in seniors?

Depression can have many causes that leave seniors particularly vulnerable to it.  If your loved one uses medications for chronic medical conditions, oftentimes depression can be a side-effect.  In addition, chronic pain or chronic illnesses can also lead to depression.  Grief over the loss of loved ones is another common cause for depression in seniors as is being alone or the loss of independence.  During aging, your loved one may experience many changes and transitions such as moving to a new home, retiring from a job, and physical weakness.  If your loved one has difficulty coping with these changes, they may find that they will begin to experience symptoms of depression.

What are the symptoms of depression?

While feeling sad or low is one symptom of depression, it is not the only one.  Your loved one may also experience changes in appetite, sleep changes, abusing substances like alcohol, and/or the loss of interest in activities that they once found enjoyable.

What should I do if I believe my loved one is depressed?

Unfortunately, untreated depression can have very serious health consequences. It can cause them to withdraw socially, not get proper nutrition, become sleep deprived, avoid self-care tasks, and it can even lead to suicide.  For these reasons, it is very important for your loved one to seek treatment for depression as soon as possible.  Making a doctor’s appointment is a great first step.  Be sure to keep a record of your loved one’s symptoms so that you can present it to the doctor.  From there, your loved one’s doctor may recommend a treatment plan that includes counseling, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these things.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional senior care in Fairfax County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities

Source:  http://seniorcarecorner.com/depression-negatively-impacting-seniors

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Julie McCormick, Co-Owner

Co-Owner at LivinRite Home Care

LivinRite is a Medicare certified agency based in Manassas, VA. Since 2003 we have been committed to providing the best home health care available. Our company was started by a registered nurse who still owns and operates the company today. Julie McCormick and Brendan McCormick are co-owners and founders of LivinRite Home Health Services. Between the two of them comes over 35 years of home health care experience. Julie is a Registered Nurse with extensive experience in Emergency Medicine, Cardiac Critical Care, Oncology & Infusion Services.

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