New Resource Can Help Identify Depression In Seniors

Home Instead Senior Care is finding that an increasing number of Baby Boomers and other grown children of seniors are looking for ways to help identify signs of depression in seniors.

While only a doctor can officially determine if a senior suffers from depression, according to the web site, www.nihseniorhealth.gov, the following signs are positive indicators that depression might be present in an elderly person:

• Feeling nervous or emotionally "empty"
• Feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness;
• Fatigue or a "slowed-down" feeling;
• Restlessness and irritability;
• Feeling like life is not worth living;
• Sleep problems, including trouble getting to sleep, very early morning wakefulness, or sleeping too much;
• Eating more or less than usual; or,
• Persistent headaches, stomachaches or other chronic pain that doesn't go away when treated.
• Frequent crying


• Difficulty focusing, remembering or making decisions


• Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt

The www.NIHSeniorHealth.gov web site is a joint effort of the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine. Resource information on depression was added recently to their web site, to help educate seniors and their families, about this very common but often undiagnosed affliction.

As significant life changes occur to people as they age, such as the loss of a spouse or friend, many times, in seniors, it can often lead to depression. Experts remind us that depression is not necessarily a normal part of aging. But the sooner the depression is recognized, the sooner the senior can get help and a doctor might recommend therapy or medication.

Usually the best course of action to take is to encourage the senior with depression to try and reengage with their environment through their activities and interests. Senior centers and places of faith are also great places for older adults to reestablish interactions with others in the community.

If the special senior in your life isn't particularly outgoing, you can always call on Home Instead Senior Care. We employ many senior home care CAREGivers who enjoy outings and activities with their older-adult clients. These CAREGivers, who are fully screened, trained, bonded and insured, can also assist with tasks such as meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping.