Helping Elderly Loved Ones Fight Depression

Elderly people are more prone to depression than those in other stages of life. The statistics are disturbing, revealing depression among the elderly population affects about 6 million people, with ¼ of all suicides committed by them. One in fifteen seniors, ages 65 or older, fights depressed.

Why Elderly People Are More Prone to Depression

It’s understandable why so many elderly people are depressed. Besides failing health, one of the greatest factors attributed to depression is dealing with continued losses. Not only do many elderly people lose physical abilities, but they can also forfeit mental functionings, due to crippling mind diseases as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, there are losses of spouses, friends, and family members.

Elderly people often have to abandon hobbies and other activities that once gave joy and purpose to their lives. Perhaps your mother used to find pleasure making quilts, but when her hands and eyesight began to weaken, she had to give up her craft. Now she just sits alone all day, staring at four walls or at a blaring TV set, watching reruns.

Giving up of freedom is another loss, as many elderly people have to surrender their cars and driving privileges. Some are forced to move in with family members or go to retirement homes.

Only One-Tenth of Depressed Elderly People Seek Help

Tragically, only about one out of ten depressed elderly people seek help. That means it’s up to concerned friends and loved ones to be aware of red flags signaling depression.

Signs a Loved One is Depressed

A few flags may include…

• Neglect of appearance

• Sloppy housekeeping

• Appearing lethargic

• Isolating at home

• Not communicating and/or failing to call on the phone

• Confusion

If your friend or loved one exhibits any of these signs, he (or she) could be struggling with depression, therefore needing medical attention.

How to Encourage an Elderly Loved One

• Listen – Taking the time to sit and listen is one of the best ways you can help an elderly loved one. If he asks the same questions, just smile and don’t remind him. Graciously answer, repeatedly.

• Share old family photos– If your loved one needs help opening up, ask if he has a photo album available where you can share those family stories triggered from old photos. Often even dementia patients are able to recognize faces from the past and relate details from old photos, even though they couldn’t remember what you told them five minutes ago.

Look for Services

If your loved one is becoming more isolated, help him get together with others.

• Senior centers – Check with your community for activities at a local senior center, as well as arrange for transportation.

• Meals-on-Wheels – Sign up your loved one for a Meals-on-Wheels program to bring in a hot meal if he’s unable to get out of the house.

• Community dining halls – Ask if there’s a community dining hall for seniors.

• Friendly callers – Ask people in your church to call your loved one on the phone regularly. Often churches provide a “Sunshine Ministry” where shut-ins receive daily phone calls.

Get Help Yourself

Although you can help in some ways, you can’t do everything by yourself. That’s why it’s important to get outside help. If you’re a fulltime caretaker of an elderly relative, it’s important you get emotional support from a small group where you can talk about your challenges, as well as share helpful suggestions.

Befriend a Depressed Elderly Person

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