1. You find medications that have not been taken as prescribed
2. Yours family member is unkempt and not dressed appropriately
3. The home is in disarray and not kept as it used to be.
4. Food is past the best before date and rotting in the fridge.
5. Frequent or increased falls leading to minor or substantial injury.
6. A decline in health has left your family member in a weakened state and unable to care for themselves
7. Your loved one is being discharged from hospital and needs to monitored and cared for until admission to a facility.
8. You are spending most of your time worried about and caring for your loved one and it is affecting your work, family and your health.
9. You live in another city or province and providing care and support for you family member is difficult a best.
10. Your family member is opposed to moving out of their home into a residence and you want to support them to stay there.

At Alert Best Nursing we can respond quickly to an emergency.  Are you in crisis because of a discharge from hospital, fall or a new medical diagnosis? We are here to help. Contact us!!

As we age we face many losses including retirement, loss of loved ones, health issues and increased isolation.  These losses are a normal part of aging but can lead to depression.  Depression leads to decreased enjoyment of life, but can also affect your appetite, sleep, energy level, and physical health.  Depression is not a part of aging and can be remedied.
                                                   
Depression is a problem for many older adults
Have you lost interest in former activities that you enjoyed?  Do you feel hopeless?
You are not alone.
 
Depression is a common problem in older adults.
 
The symptoms of depression affect every aspect of your life. Including appetite, energy, sleep, relationships, hobbies and work.
 
Depression is often overlooked in seniors because they either fail to recognize the symptoms of depression or don’t take steps to get the help they need.
Reasons:

1. Depression is a normal part of aging
2. Isolation can lead to depression and there is no one to notice the changes
3. You do not relate your physical symptoms to depression
4. Reluctance to seek help

Depression can happen to anyone at any stage of life.  The challenges of aging don’t have to stop you from enjoying your life.  Whether young or older you don’t have to suffer with depression.  Depression can be treated with medication; the right support and self-help strategies and can lead to a happy and fulfilling life. 

Causes of depression in older adults
 
Many life changes related to aging can lead to depression:

• Health problems- chronic pain, physical limitations, cognitive decline, changes in body image
• Loneliness- smaller social circle due to death or relocation, decreased mobility, loss of drivers license
• Loss of purpose- loss of identity related to retirement
•  Decline in physical abilities and/or mental abilities

 
Medical conditions can psychologically or directly cause depression in the elderly.
Parkinson’s disease,                           Stroke
Diabetes                                              Heart Disease                                                             
Cancer                                                 Thyroid Disorders,
Lupus                                                   Multiple Sclerosis
Arthritis                                                Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia
Seniors often have more multiple chronic illnesses.
 
Prescription Medications can result in depression of the elderly.  It is a common side effect, particularly when multiple medications are taken.
Drugs to treat blood pressure, heart disease, ulcer medications, steroids, sleeping pills, painkillers, cholesterol drugs and tranquilizers all can have a depressive effect.
 
Alcohol can be a coping mechanism to deal with physical and emotional pain.  Alcohol may interact with other medications and impair brain function, sometimes worsening the symptoms of depression.

Is it Grief or Depression?
 
Grief is a normal reaction to loss.  Everyone is different and there is no time limit on grieving.  During this process there are still times that we feel some joy and happiness. 
Depression however leaves one with a constant sense of emptiness, despair and hopelessness.
 
Signs of Depression in the Elderly
 
Despite denial seniors may still have depression.  Signs of depression may include:

• Neglect of personal care such as hygiene, skipping meals, not taking medication, poor housekeeping
• Irritability
• Anxiety and worry
• Lack of motivation, energy
• Unexplained physical symptoms
• Unable to sleep
• Memory Issues
• Loss of interest in socializing

 
​Getting over depression
 
It’s never too late to develop a new skill or hobby.  Keep the brain fit by learning new things and finding new enjoyment.

​

• Exercise has many benefits including lifting mood and gaining physical strength.  Small changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking your car further from the store can make a difference.
• Join some social clubs such as a seniors club or have someone come in to visit, or connect by phone
• Try some yoga or other breathing techniques to relieve stress.

 
Self Care

• Proper diet with an added vitamin supplement
• Get enough rest and sleep
• Get involved in your community, volunteer or join a church group
• Pursue a new hobby or learn a new skill
• Laugh, it’s good for you and provides a mood boost

 
Getting Help for a Loved one or Friend
 
The nature of depression interferes with a senior person seeking help.  You can help by offering emotional support.  Listen with compassion and patience and offer hope.  You can also ensure that your loved one seeks and gets appropriate treatment.  Attend medical appointments and offer hope and support.

​