The signs of depression in aging adults aren’t always evident to families. Most people know withdrawn behaviour and a sudden lack of interest in favourite pastimes are general warning signs of depression. However, not all seniors will exhibit such behaviours. As a matter of fact, there are a handful of symptoms that point to depression that aren’t as easy to detect or are often overlooked because they’re attributed to the normal aging process.
If you think your aging loved one may be experiencing depression, check for these less-than-obvious warning signs. If your loved one exhibits any of these symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with his or her doctor. During the appointment, you can discuss concerns, ask questions, and get a professional diagnosis as well as recommendations for how to move forward.
An Increase in Physical Symptoms
A lot of caregivers may assume an increase in physical pain is generally expected when providing care for an aging adult. While this can be true for seniors with certain conditions, constant complaints of pain can also indicate depression. Your loved one may deny feelings of sadness and depression and instead focus on physical ailments. This type of depression often stems from a decrease in a senior’s abilities to perform activities he or she once enjoyed, or it may arise after a major health diagnosis.
Knowing how to address depression is just one of the many ways aging adults can maintain their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Apathy about Everything
There’s a huge difference between a senior being agreeable and a senior being apathetic. A senior who has lost hope may continue to smile and go through the daily motions, never disagreeing with anyone or anything. This should be very concerning for a family caregiver. Behaviour such as this is often seen when seniors feel helpless because they require assistance and look at their need for care as a burden on their families.
In Victoria, in-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Increase in Daytime Sleepiness
Daytime drowsiness is often assumed to be due to difficulty sleeping, which is common among older adults. However, for many seniors, the inability to sleep can be attributed to exhaustion from depression. Fear of death and worries about their health may keep them awake at night. When this type of depression comes on suddenly, it often follows a traumatic or life-changing event, such as the passing of a loved one or close friend.
Compassionate home caregivers can be wonderful sources of empathetic companionship for aging adults who have lost loved ones. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Victoria, British Columbia, Home Care Assistance are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner when your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging. Call us today at (250) 592-4881 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.
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