Care Perspectives From Senior Solutions

The move to assisted living can sometimes be challenging. Even if you and Mom have discussed it thoroughly and everyone in the family agrees, even in the most positive environments, depression can set in. Recognizing the signs and seeking proper treatment are essential to Mom’s ongoing contentment (and your peace of mind) while she’s residing in assisted living. Depression presents itself differently in everyone, but there are some symptoms that you can be on the lookout for:

• withdrawal from social activities 
• anxious expression 
• sleeping more than usual
• excessive worrying
• a sad voice
• sleeping less than usual
• a sad expression
• tearfulness
• no interest in hobbies like reading, crafting or sewing
• wistfulness

It is sometimes difficult to gauge the level of depression in seniors that are suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. But there are four proven approaches that will help ease Mom’s depression while in assisted living:

1. Increase Social Interaction 
   While participating in social activities may the last thing that Mom wants when she’s feeling blue, coax her to at least attend that exercise class, sing-a-long or crafting session. She may not participate at first, but just getting her out of her room and in the company of other residents and staff may help buoy her spirits. In cases of mild depression this may be all that is needed.
2. Light Therapy 
   Just like getting out of her rooms and interacting can help with depression, getting OUTSIDE can help too. Numerous studies have shown that as little as one hour of daily exposure to bright light can ease depression symptoms. It has also been shown to be beneficial to those suffering from various stages of dementia. By taking advantage of beautiful outdoor spaces for some gardening, a short walk, being pushed around a garden or just sitting and enjoying nature, depression symptoms can be eased. Don’t let inclement weather deter a senior’s love of the outdoors, find shade or bundle up. If their community has a sunroom or enclosed porch all the better when the weather isn’t cooperating.
3. Talk Therapy  
   If Mom’s depression is mild and she isn’t suffering from severe dementia, talk therapy may be helpful. Although some seniors are reluctant to share their concerns and often belittle themselves for feeling blue, talking through the issues with someone who is NOT family can be helpful. Someone from within the community staff or an outside professional can sometimes assist in resolving or relieve some mild depression issues. 
4. Antidepressant Medication 
   If her depression increases beyond a mild case of the “blues” or lasts longer than normal, it may be time for a conversation with her doctor about antidepressants. Those that are suffering from dementia as well as depression may require medication sooner. The antidepressants that have demonstrated success are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs increase the amount of chemicals in the brain that fight off depression. Antidepressants should be thoroughly discussed with her physician due to possible medication interactions and the bone thinning that comes with them.

Have you noticed Mom displaying any signs of depression? Then it’s time for a discussion with the staff and her doctors. Be persistent and be pleasant with the staff when you discuss it. They may not realize that the personality she has exhibited in the assisted living community is not the Mom that you know and love. Ask questions and document your observances in order to have a more productive conversation and to get the best results possible to help address Mom’s depression in assisted living.

Searching for a quality Tennessee or Georgia assisted living community for your Mom or Dad? Request a tour of one of our twelve communities. We have one that is right for their needs  and yours.

When you think about who needs access to the internet, tablets, smartphones and all the modern technology tools that keep us connected, you may not think about your aging parents who are thinking about moving to a senior living residence. However, consider the conclusions of a new study. Dr. Helen Feist of the University of Adelaide, Australia, explored how technology could help older people in the more rural areas of Australia. She spent three years on this study and concluded that ,”In order for people to remain integrated within a world that increasingly relies on new technology, it is important that older people are offered opportunities to adopt and use new technologies such as computers, smartphones, personal tablets and the internet.”

Depression is an insidious problem for anyone, but in the elderly it is often overlooked. It is not to be considered a normal part of growing older, but addressed as a medical condition that responds very well to treatment. Since many people don’t recognize or report the problem, and fear stigma for being weak and unable to “snap out of it”, they suffer needlessly and in silence. What looks like irritability and withdrawal can be a clear signal of depression. Other symptoms include loss of interest in usual activities, a loss of pleasure, poor appetite and weight loss, pervasive feelings of sadness, tearfulness, memory impairment, increased pain complaints, anger, and sleep disturbance such as early morning awakening and insomnia. Increased anxiety and thoughts of suicide must be addressed.  Statistically, Caucasian men in the 70-80 age group make up the highest rate of successful suicide since they tend to have access to lethal means such as guns. The good news is that depression is absolutely treatable, and medications are safe, not addictive. The most important thing a loved one can do is insist on a visit and discussion with the primary care doctor. The MD can begin medication and also refer to a geriatric specialist. Talk therapy can speed the recovery in conjunction with medication. There is no reason to assume it is a normal or unavoidable part of aging. Treatment of depression can improve quality of life and restore meaning and purpose to living in a senior community because it allows the individual to interact and enjoy his or her peers, and to accept care and support from staff, which hastens adjustment to the change from home to assisted care. Family members are able to feel comfortable with the move and have less guilt as well. Depression is a serious illness, but imminently treatable. Life in later years should be as comfortable as possible and addressing this illness helps not only the elder but family and caregivers as well.