Elderly Depression: Is It a Normal Part Of Aging?

ELDERLY DEPRESSION: IS IT A NORMAL PART OF AGING?

It’s not as talked about, acknowledged or studied as teenage depression or adult depression, but elderly depression is being diagnosed more frequently in long-term care facilities and in the community than it has been in the past. In turn, caregivers and providers are paying more and more attention to this condition.

Despite what many people think, the onset of depression is separate from aging. In other words, depression shouldn’t necessarily be expected, accepted, nor go untreated simply because an individual gets older. Illnesses and certain medical conditions are apart of life for everyone, however, depression isn’t. Therefore, because a medical condition is diagnosed, depression shouldn’t be tolerated without treatment. It shouldn’t be accepted, nor go untreated because an elderly individual has lost a spouse, another family member or a pet either. Although small, there is a difference between a state of grievance and a state of depression.

A change in environment may cause one to be sad and somewhat confused, but pay close attention to the possibility of a senior slipping into major depression should they have to move from home to a long-term care facility.


· The first step to the process of helping a depressed elder come out of their depression, thereby, improving their quality of life is acknowledging the fact that depression is NOT a normal part of aging.

· Knowing the causes of depression is the second.

· Third step is figuring out the difference between sadness or grievance, and depression. This may prove a difficult feat. However, being aware of the causes help discern one from the other. Likewise, perceptiveness to the symptoms of depression will also help. Being cognizant to whether a loved one is sad or grieving (which can actually be healthy and will pass in time with no medical intervention) or if they are depressed should prompt appropriate treatment.

· Lastly, appropriate and timely treatment is paramount in ensuring a sound quality of life.



Nemi Weeks,NHA,MBA
Owner/Operator,Orlando Home Care
www.orlandohomecare.net
Info@orlandohomecare.net