To a caregiver the outward symptoms of physical illness are pretty obvious. Aches, pains, or other persistent complaints can all be indicative of an underlying health issue. However, not all illnesses manifest themselves in the physical to cause such outward symptoms. Mental illnesses, such as depression, can have symptoms that mimic something as simple as just having a bad day or overexertion. Whilst being a caregiver for a friend or family member you notice when the bad days and overexertion become more frequent, it may be time to talk to the senior’s health care professional about depression. Here are some things to look for when attempting to recognize the onset of depression.
Tiredness
Is the client tired for a good reason? Perhaps they overworked themselves during the day, have been suffering from insomnia due to certain medications, or are readjusting to being out of the hospital. Are they able to catch up on their sleep and seem rested enough during the day that they aren’t taking frequent naps? If they seem tired, it’s important to know how long it has been going on.
Withdrawn
Does the senior suddenly have no desire to interact with people that they once liked spending time with? Do they tend to keep to themselves more and more often? It is important to note what the senior’s disposition is normally. If they are naturally shy or soft spoken, not wanting to draw attention to themselves or interact with people, this may be a harder call to make.
Sadness
Is the client experiencing prolong bouts with sadness? Do they have a reason to be sad, such as the recent loss of a beloved pet or dear friend? Do they seem sad because of something specific or melancholy in general? Are they making progress in dealing with their sadness such as grieving for their losses? Or do they seem to be taking the loss very hard and unable to cope?
The key to picking up on and alerting a senior’s health care professional to the potential onset of depression is being intimately familiar with the client on a variety of levels. As a caregiver having a true understanding of the senior’s moods, attitudes, and outlook on things will make changes in these characteristics easier to pick up on.
Any frequent and constant changes that a family member or caregiver notices in an elderly individual should be discussed with their doctor at the first opportunity. The sooner depression is diagnosed in the client, the better the prognosis and treatment will be.
Tags: bremerton, caregiver, home care providers, in home care, port orchard, poulsbo, senior health care, silverdale
