Is your elderly loved one experiencing clinical depression? Whether it is mild or more severe, it could be a good idea to have them see their doctor or a therapist. There are numerous depression treatments that can help your elderly loved one to start feeling better. These treatments can also help your elderly loved one to develop healthier lifestyle habits that prevent depression in the future, too. As a family caregiver, learning about these depression treatments can allow you to stay on top of things for your elderly loved one. It may also be a good idea to get home care assistance for your elderly loved one, so they don’t have as much on their plate right now.
Taking Medications
There are so many types of depression medications that can be prescribed. Some of them help with mood improvement. Others might help to improve concentration or sleep. The exact medication that is prescribed is going to depend on how severe your elderly loved one’s depression is and what route their doctor wants to go. If you aren’t sure whether your elderly loved one will remember to take their medications, you or companion care providers can give them reminders to take those.
Going to Therapy
Another depression treatment that is available is therapy. There are also many forms of therapy including cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, mindfulness meditation, and much more. The exact therapies that are used vary from person to person based on the degree and type of symptoms. If your elderly loved one is willing to attend therapy, be there to support them emotionally as much as you can.
Exercise Program
If your elderly loved one is dealing with depression, you should encourage them to exercise. Studies show that exercising can cut through depression almost as well as medications in some cases. The reason for this is because exercising releases positive, feel-good chemicals in the brain. When that happens, depression often lessens and happiness and relaxation often increase.
Dieting
With treating depression, the food that someone is eating does make a difference, as well. For example, think about what happens when you eat a fat-filled, sugary meal. You probably feel pretty down and yucky, right? What about when you eat lean meat, salads, and fruits? It helps you to feel better. That is because the food that is put into the body really does affect a person’s mental health. If your elderly loved one is dealing with depression, you should encourage them to eat healthier as much as they can. In just the matter of a meal or two, it can help them to start feeling better.
Conclusion
These are just some of the many ways to treat depression. The exact combination of treatments that will be used is up to your elderly loved one and their doctor. If they see a therapist, they can also help to decide what treatments are used.
For more information about hiring Home Care Assistancein San Diego, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/depression-and-older-adults
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