Depression in Seniors: What to Look Out For

Depression in Seniors: What to Look Out For

Feelings of sadness, loneliness and frustration can change the way a senior citizen looks at life. There are various reasons why people over 60 may experience depression, including that they no longer feel like they are useful to society. After a lifetime of hard work, raising children and social activity in their community, a senior who suddenly finds themselves no longer capable of doing these things may develop a deep sense of sadness, or a feeling that they no longer have a purpose.
It’s important that our loved ones know that their lives aren’t over and that they still have so much life to live.

Many of us spend our earlier years as adults dreaming of retirement and all the extra time it will allow us to do the things we really enjoy with those that we love. Unfortunately, that often is not the reality for senior citizens.
A senior may find that they are no longer able to care for themselves completely and can no longer live alone, requiring them to move into an assisted living facility for senior care.
They may have lost their spouse or loved ones. Family is too busy and overwhelmed to provide the amount of support they need. Chronic pain or illness may prevent them from experiencing life at this stage to the fullest. Any of these things can leave your loved one feeling like they are unimportant or no longer matter. Depression in seniors is a very real thing.

Signs to look out for

There are several signs that your senior loved one is suffering from depression. You should be on the lookout for:
– A lack of activity that lasts for an extended period of time
– A sudden loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
– A lack of showing pleasure or enjoyment in activities or visits with friends and family

A senior may also experience the following symptoms, so it’s important to check in with them regularly to see if they are experiencing any of these things:
– Feelings of sadness
– Feeling more tired or fatigued than normal
– Loss of appetite
– Difficulty falling asleep
– Self isolation

If you or a loved one find yourself in need of elderly care, Terrace Ridge not only provides a community for our elderly, but we do everything we can to enhance the quality of life for your loved one.
That quality of care includes our LifeSource Behavioral Health Professionals who provide a number of services like Talk Therapy that encourages and directs each resident to resolve issues that may be complicating their ability to cope with stress or a difficult situation in their life. We also provide medication Management that monitors the effectiveness and progress of medications. Contact us today and find out how we can help your loved one cope with this stage of life.