6 Tips on How to Help Your Elderly Parents & Loved Ones With Depression

Depression can affect people at any time of life. Some may be surprised to learn that depression is not uncommon in the elderly. Dealing with issues such as poor health, the loss of a partner, and social isolation increases an older adult’s risk of developing depression. Not all seniors experience depression, but those who do are likely to downplay their symptoms and avoid any discussion about their feelings. 

If you suspect an older person you care about is suffering from depression, it can be difficult to intervene. How can you talk about it if they don’t want to open up? There are ways to help without compromising your loved one’s privacy or making them feel uncomfortable. The first step is to recognize the signs of depression. 

Signs of Depression in the Elderly

Depression is a mental health concern that affects individuals differently. It can be especially difficult to recognize depression in seniors because many of the most common symptoms are also typical signs of aging.

For example, a key symptom of depression among younger people is the loss of interest in favorite activities. However, when an older person loses interest in a hobby, it’s often assumed they are tired or that changes in sight or hearing have made participation too difficult. 

Depression symptoms to watch for include:

• Aches and pains
• Weight loss
• Insomnia
• Memory loss
• Dizziness
• Hoarding 
• Not leaving the house
• Obsessively thinking about the end of life

Depression may present differently from person to person. Still, if your loved one is exhibiting symptoms that aren’t immediately explained by problems with their physical health, mental health may be the issue. 

6 Ways to Help an Older Adult With Depression

Try these suggestions if you’re concerned about the mental health of an older loved one. 

1. Talk to Them, Not Down to Them

First, remember that your parent or older friend isn’t a child. Communicate with the same level of compassion and respect that you would show a peer in the same situation. They don’t have to tell you why they are depressed. (They may not understand why.) They also don’t have to share deep, intimate details of their mental health. What is important is getting treatment. 

Ask questions and listen to their answers. Let them lead the conversation as much as possible. 

2. Schedule a Medical Checkup

Mental health is not separate from physical health, and vice versa. The first step in improving mental health is to rule out physical causes. Your loved one may have a health condition with symptoms that resemble depression. Simply feeling unwell could cause them to sleep more or lose interest in activities. 

Once you are certain their physical health is fine, you can take steps to boost their mental health. 

3. Support Healthy Eating Habits

A healthy diet can boost physical health, but it also helps with mood regulation and hormone production. However, eating a healthy diet can be difficult for older adults. They may be less interested in food or have limited cooking skills. Living on a tight budget sometimes makes it difficult for seniors to eat fresh, healthy food. 

Snacks and meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables, beans, lentils, seafood, and lean proteins are ideal. They should avoid highly processed foods loaded with sugar and saturated fats. If necessary, help them prepare meals or hire a cook who understands senior nutrition. 

4. Reduce Isolation

Loneliness and isolation are major contributors to depression in the elderly. The loss of friends or a spouse can mean spending days or even weeks without someone else to talk to. Help your loved one develop new social circles. Check local senior centers for possible activities and arrange for transportation if they are no longer able to drive. 

5. Increase Physical Activity

It’s natural to slow down a bit with age, but there are still many types of exercise seniors can participate in safely. Exercise is a natural way to increase the production of mood-boosting hormones. Ask your loved one if they would be interested in joining a water aerobics group or trying chair yoga. Volunteer to take a walk with them a few times a week.

6. Encourage Treatment

You can’t force a parent or other elder to go to therapy or take anti-depressant medication, but you can encourage them. Try speaking with a therapist who specializes in working with seniors; they may have tips on how to persuade your loved one to attend counseling. 

Is It Time for In-Home Care?

Addressing all the issues that affect a senior with depression can be difficult. It’s even harder if you are also juggling a job, children, and other responsibilities. Additionally, if you live far from your loved one, it may be impossible to make sure they have healthy food and a thriving social life. 

An in-home care provider offers companionship and transportation, and they can oversee meals for your loved one. If you are concerned that your loved one may be depressed, start by talking to them. Together, you can develop solutions that will help them enjoy their golden years to the fullest. 

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If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation.  Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.