Depression is common among seniors, although many seniors wouldn’t call themselves depressed. Estimates show that more than 6 million seniors have chronic depression. Many factors influence whether a senior will develop depression. The loss of a sense of purpose as they get older, medical conditions that cause chronic pain, living far away from family, or losing a spouse can all contribute to a senior developing depression. But home care can help your senior loved one manage the symptoms of depression by:
Making Sure Seniors Eat
Seniors often don’t eat when they are depressed or don’t eat enough. Many seniors are technically considered malnourished because they don’t eat enough. With home care, your senior loved one will have someone to make them meals and snacks, bring them tea, and encourage them to keep eating even when they are depressed. Home care providers can also do the shopping to ensure that there is plenty of food in the house for your senior loved one.
Keeping Their Home Clean And Tidy
It’s difficult to worry about the house being clean when battling depression. Seniors who are depressed may not feel like getting out of bed. They are definitely not worrying about whether the ceiling fans have been dusted. But home care providers will worry about the ceiling fans. They will ensure the trash goes out on trash day. That your senior loved one has clean clothes to wear each day. Especially, a clean and safe home where they can be comfortable. By keeping your senior parent’s home clean and tidy, home care providers are helping ensure that your senior loved one won’t be overwhelmed by chores when fighting the symptoms of depression.
Encourage Seniors to Exercise
Exercise is something seniors need for both physical and mental health. A home care provider can encourage your senior loved one to get some exercise each day. They can also encourage them to exercise outdoors. Then your senior parent can benefit from spending time in the natural world. Going for a walk around the block, or even just walking around the yard or to the corner, can help your senior parent if they are struggling with depression.
Providing Companionship and Socialization
One of the most effective ways to help seniors manage their depression is to be there with them. Isolation isn’t healthy for seniors, and too many seniors are socially isolated. Regular visits from a care provider will ensure your senior loved one isn’t slipping deeper into depression alone with their thoughts at home. Care providers can watch TV with your senior parent. They can play games with them. They can also do other activities that will help seniors feel connected to the world and happy again. Find out more about how home care can help your senior parent fight depression by talking to a home care agency near you today.
For more information about how caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents stay in their own homes, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Costa, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/depression/index.html
Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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