Spotting the Signs of Senior Depression

Depression among seniors is unfortunately more common of an issue than many may think. Depression’s causes and symptoms can both affect all aspects of your loved one’s life and senior care. Since senior depression frequently goes unnoticed, it is crucial to be aware of these causes and symptoms so you can catch the red flags. Most times, senior depression can go unnoticed for reasons of reluctance to share feelings or assuming that sadness comes with the aging process.
By making yourself aware of the causes and symptoms of senior depression, you can keep up with the senior care of your loved one. This will help you catch depression in its early stages or potentially event prevent it altogether.

The Causes

Learn to catch the red flags below by familiarizing yourself with the causes of senior depression, helping to improve their senior care needs:

• Loneliness and Isolation: A declining social circle can develop from living alone; the inability to drive and/or decreased mobility.
• Loss of Sense of Purpose: Having physical limitations that affect engaging in activities once enjoyed; the loss of identity or purpose after entering retirement.
• Health Issues: Caused by illnesses or disabilities; cognitive declines; chronic and severe pain.
• Recent Bereavements: A recent loss of a spouse or partner, friends, family members, or pets.
• Medical Conditions: Parkinson’s Disease, thyroid disorders, Cancer, Lupus and other specific conditions can trigger depression.
• Fears: Anxiety due to health or financial issues; a fear of death or dying.

The Symptoms

You can help to stop senior depression by learning to catch these symptoms below:

• Aches and pains that are unexplained
• The use of alcohol or other drugs (or increased use)
• Thoughts of suicide or death
• Poor sleeping habits
• Neglecting personal care
• Sadness and despair; feelings of hopelessness; loss of self-worth
• Loss of interest and activities; lack of motivation and energy
• Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
• Slower speech and/or movements

If someone you love is showing signs of depression, it’s important to start a conversation and provide support. Home Care Assistance of Dayton offers holistic senior care that supports both the physical and emotional health of aging adults.
Contact us to learn how a home care plan can help combat loneliness and depression in your senior loved one.

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