Your elderly family member may be battling depression at any point in her life. There are misconceptions that depression always has to have a specific reason or cause. While there are causes, your senior may not be able to point to a cause herself. It’s important that you as her caregiver and her homecare provider are able to step in and get her help if she seems to be having trouble.
Homecare Atoka TN – Four Ways to Recognize Depression in Seniors
She’s Complaining of Physical Ailments
Physical symptoms are far more common with depression than most people believe. Your senior in particular may experience more aches and pains than usual or she may find that her existing health issues are more difficult to manage. She may not be eating as well as she should be, which can also contribute to physical symptoms. Pay attention to these symptoms, because they’re not always as simple as they appear to be on the surface, especially if she’s exhibiting some of these other signs.
Her Energy Levels Are Way Down
Depression drains energy levels, which is most obvious when your elderly family member has always been a high-energy person. She may start to seem as if she’s a bit deflated or she may tell you that she just never feels rested. It takes a lot of energy to deal with depression, and that’s not always something that people outside of the situation can see easily. It’s mental and emotional energy, rather than physical energy.
She’s Having Sleep Issues
On the flip side of that, though, your elderly family member may be having trouble sleeping. She may find that she wakes up a lot in the middle of the night or she has a tough time falling asleep at all. There are other types of sleep issues, too. Your senior may find that she is sleeping a lot more than usual. That can be from depression as well.
She’s Sad, Irritable, or Experiencing Other Mood Swings
Sadness, particularly persistent sadness, is a common symptom of depression. But your senior may also be irritable or experiencing other emotions as part of her battle with depression. She may even be having mood swings that feel out of control both to her and to people around her. If your elderly family member’s other needs, like sleep and adequate nutrition, aren’t being met then it’s more likely for her to experience mood swings.
Depression is something your senior may experience for a variety of reasons. It’s important that if you suspect she is battling depression you contact her doctor. There may be medical causes or medical solutions that can help.
For Homecare Services in Atoka TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!
