Signs Of Depression in Seniors Families Should Watch For
Seniors have a higher than average chance of developing depression. Many seniors don’t talk to their families about their symptoms of depression because they don’t think that they are depressed. Seniors may dismiss their feelings or symptoms as just “feeling blue” or having a bad day. But depression is a serious illness and it can have a big impact on seniors. If your senior loved one is acting differently or you’re worried that they could be depressed watch for these symptoms of depression:
Not Going Out
Companion Care at Home East Grand Rapids, MI: Signs of Depression
If your senior loved one is staying home all the time and avoiding going out they may be depressed. One of the most common symptoms of depression is not wanting to leave the house and staying home all the time. For seniors that kind of isolation can lead to more feelings of isolation and their depression can quickly spiral.
Withdrawing From Social Interactions
When you call your senior loved one on the phone or when other relatives and friends call or want to video chat if your senior loved one avoids calls, doesn’t call back, or doesn’t want to video chat that’s a sign that they could be depressed. Most of the time seniors are very happy to talk and video chat with the people that they care about. Seniors who are depressed may push their family members away and not want to talk to them or see them because they are feeling bad.
Sleeping More Or Sleeping Less
Changes in sleeping patterns can be symptoms of depression for seniors. Often when they become anxious and depressed seniors either go from barely sleeping to sleeping all the time or the reverse. They go from sleeping all the time to being unable to sleep because of anxiety and intrusive thoughts. If your senior loved one is experiencing intrusive thoughts or having a hard time sleeping they could be depressed. Medications made to help depression can help your senior loved one get the sleep they need in some cases.
No Interest In Activities That They Used To Enjoy
When was the last time that your senior loved one participated in an activity that they used to enjoy? If you can’t remember the last time that your senior loved one volunteered for a community play, made a clay mug, or worked on a quilt that they have been working on for a long time they could be depressed. Stopping activities and hobbies that they used to really like is one of the most obvious signs of depression in seniors.
Companion Care Can Help
Companion care at home for seniors can help seniors that are fighting depression. With companion care at home seniors can stay home where they feel the most comfortable but still maintain strong social connections. With help from a caregiver at home seniors will have the support they need to make healthy choices, get the sleep they need, and enjoy their lives again.
If you or someone you know needs help with Companion Care at Home in East Grand Rapids, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
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