How Elderly Parents Deal with Isolation and Depression

Many seniors have experienced a lot throughout the entirety of their life. This can lead to loneliness, depression, and anxiety. There is nothing worse than watching a loved one go through these things, especially alone. With the help of senior home care services, and home care assistance your elderly loved one does not have to. 

According to the World Health Organization, they estimate that depression affects about 350 million people of all ages worldwide. Coping with depression at any age is difficult, but it is especially difficult for the elderly. Often they have lost their long-term spouse. 

24/7 Home Health Care is a trusted home health care agency located in Miami, Florida that offers senior home care to your loved ones as well as home care assistance so that your grandmother, grandfather, mother, father, and variety of elderly loved ones are taken care of in the best hands possible. 

Finding ways to battle isolation and depression are not easy, especially during Covid-19 where visitation with the elderly may not be safe for them. Here are some ways to deal with isolation and depression that may be useful. 

Mental Health America has some saddening facts about seniors and depression in the United States, they state that: 

• 1 out of 17 Americans age 65+ suffer from some form of depression
• Seniors aged 65+ account for 20% of all suicide deaths in the United States
• Approximately 68% of Americans aged 65 and over know little or nothing about depression

Aging is a part of life, but battling a mental disease should not be. Transitioning from work to retirement and death is difficult for anyone to overcome. Senior home care services can help the elderly deal with isolation and depression by taking the stress off of the elderly. 

Because depression in the elderly is harder to identify due to different symptoms that the younger demographic face, having a consulting a home health care agency for advice to recognize depression and isolation before it’s too late is extremely beneficial for the well-being of your loved ones. 

Common Signs of Depression Amongst Elderly People

If you notice that the elderly person in your life is constantly feeling tired, having trouble sleeping, or seems extra irritable this could be a sign of depression. However, these are not the only symptoms to watch out for. Keep an eye out for changes in their mood as well. 

Loneliness is also a huge reason that seniors get depressed. Especially during the pandemic where social interaction for the elderly is limited or absolute. A lack of social interaction of people of the age of 65+ decreases their lack of mobility and mental health. Studies have shown that loneliness is a major risk factor for depression heightening their sense of unhappiness and worthlessness. 

Promote a Sense of Purpose

For those struggling with depression, it can oftentimes be difficult to have the motivation to even get out of bed at times. Especially with Covid-19, isolation can be unbearable. Finding safe activities to make the pastime enjoyable is essential. Some things that give a sense of purpose are finding a hobby such as knitting, gardening, cards, or yoga. 

Home care assistants are also exceptionally skilled in working with your loved ones to find things that they enjoy doing to battle the struggles they are going through. Supporting your loved ones is stressful and emotional as well. By supporting them with a proper home health care agency and senior home care services you are ensuring that their mental and physical health is in the best hands possible.

Show Them They’re Loved

Love and affection go a long way to anyone, not just the elderly. Showing seniors you love and need them in your life gives them an exceptional feeling that will help them combat their depression. 

With social distancing and limited physical interaction a big hug to show your grandparents you love them may not be safe. However, there are still many ways to show your family how much you love them such as bringing them something homemade from the heart. Even if you are not Gordan Rasmey, your family will appreciate the effort you made to cook them a meal from the heart. 

Seek Professional Help

If you are noticing that your loved one is having changes in appetite or behavior this may be a symptom of their depression getting worse. Let them know that accepting help from a therapist or counseling is not something to be ashamed of. Even seeking advice from your home care assistance in the steps to take is beneficial. Providing quality senior home care is not something that can be done alone. 

Consider More Intensive Home Care

Asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. For senior family members who are wanting to live independently not in a home, senior home care professionals are helpful. This allows someone to check in on them, help with daily chores, grocery shopping, and bathing. 

24/7 Home Health Care is our home health care agency that provides experienced care and services to seniors to help alleviate loneliness and depression and promote overall better health. Studies prove that depression is linked to loneliness amongst the elderly. Be sure to check in on your loved ones and do not be scared to hire assistance such as a home care assistant.