Could Your Parent be Suffering from Depression?
September 29, 2017
Depression is the leading cause of disability throughout the United States. Approximately 15 percent of the total adult population, including nearly 7 percent of the older adult population, suffers from major depression, which can impact their daily functioning, health, and quality of life. As a family caregiver, it is important that you are able to identify if your senior might be suffering from this condition so that you can make meaningful changes to address it effectively and in a way that is right for them.
Some signs that your aging parent might be suffering from depression include:
• Sadness
• Tearfulness
• Hopelessness
• Emptiness
• Frustration
• Angry outbursts
• Irritability
• Losing temper over small issues
• Loss of interest in things that they once loved
• Not being able to get to sleep or stay asleep
• Sleeping too much
• Lack of energy
• Feeling as though even the smallest daily tasks require a tremendous amount of energy and effort
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Expressing feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble thinking properly
• Memory loss
• Frequent headaches
• Backaches
If you notice that your aging parent is experiencing these symptoms and you are concerned that they might be suffering from depression, do not hesitate to get them the medical attention that they need. Approximately 50 percent of those living with mental illness do not receive care and support on a regular basis, leaving them vulnerable to worsened symptoms and negative consequences. Be your parent’s advocate and ensure that they get what they need.
Staring senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them as their family caregiver. Hiring a senior home care services provider is about boosting their quality of life, enhancing their lifestyle, and ensuring that they are getting all of the care, support, and assistance that they need both when you are able to be with them and when you are not.
This care provider will give your parent a highly personalized set of services designed specifically to address their individual challenges, limitations, and needs in a way that is right for them. By keeping their individual personality, preferences, beliefs, and goals in mind, this care provider can ensure that their services are tailored toward keeping your parent safe, comfortable, and healthy, while also promoting as much independence, activity, and fulfillment as possible as they age in place.
If you are considering home health care in Upper St. Clair, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care.
Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551
Source:
https://www.nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Illness-Awareness-Week
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs381/en/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/dxc-20321472