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Making Time for the Elderly

While visiting a home for the elderly recently I noticed that many of them were staring out the window, lost in their own thoughts. I wondered what they were thinking. Were they thinking of what they were going to have to eat that evening at supper? Were they thinking of a happier time in their younger years? Perhaps they were trying to remember what a hug felt like or the touch of a baby’s skin. Many elderly people are lonely, as their loved ones have passed on and they are now all alone. They are the last survivors in their … Continue reading →

Signs of Depression and Suicide

Depression, as a mental health illness, is one of those things that is hard to explain if you have never experienced it or see it in someone close to you. It’s more than just feeling down. It’s more than just a series of bad days. Anytime that depression begins to affect your ability to do the thing you normally do, then there is a chance it may be more than just being sad. Depression is a disease that affects millions of people, men and women, old and young, across all ethnic and cultural boundaries. And, chances are, it is affecting … Continue reading →

Depression in the Elderly (2)

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As we discussed in the previous article dealing with depression in the elderly, depression can hit at any age. For all the symptoms of depression in the elderly, see the link below So what can trigger depression in the elderly? Life changing events, such as the death of a loved one, particularly a spouse of many years, is a common trigger for older people to become depressed. Other factors moving out of the family home of long standing, inability to socialize due to disability, a physical illness, even deafness can be a trigger for depression due to lack of meaningful … Continue reading →

Depression in the Elderly (1)

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Depression is not an uncommon illness across the most of the lifespan and the elderly are no exception. Sometimes elderly people visit their doctor with a series of ailments only to be told they are not physically ill, but are suffering from depression. So what are the symptoms of depression in the elderly? Mostly, they are much the same as those of any age group, yet because of the nature of some of the symptoms, elderly people may assume that something more serious, such as dementia, is causing the symptoms. Below is an outline of the symptoms of depression as … Continue reading →

Relieving Depression in Seniors

If an older person in your care is diagnosed with depression, you may find it difficult to treat. Many seniors are resistant to the idea of being labeled as “mentally ill” and may refuse to participate in treatment. Antidepressant medications tend to work well in senior citizens, but they’re only part of the treatment. As my own doctor has told me, medication gets you to a stable place where therapy can actually help (and help keep you stable). One drawback of using antidepressants is the side effects. Dizziness can lead to falls — a leading cause of death for seniors. … Continue reading →

Depression in Seniors

Would your parent or grandparent tell you if they were depressed? According to statistics from the American Psychological Association’s Society of Clinical Geropsychology, most of today’s generation of seniors wouldn’t. Although many older people are quite free with talking about aches and pains, the idea of mental illness (like depression) is embarrassing. As many as seven million Americans over the age of sixty-five may be suffering from depression. Here’s some more bad news about older adults and depression: As much as ninety percent of the older Americans suffering from depression aren’t getting any help for it. The suicide rate for … Continue reading →

Depression in the elderly

All age groups are prone to depression and the elderly are no different. However, it is only recently that significant studies have been conducted to determine the occurrence and form that depression takes in the elderly. Studies of residents in nursing homes estimate that up to 20% of residents may be suffering from major depression. Depression can sometimes slowly develop over a long period of time, and thus go unrecognized until the condition becomes quite severe. This is especially the case in the elderly, who may easily put down their change of mood to the aging process. Depression in the … Continue reading →

FDA Approves Adasuve

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug called Adasuve. It was created by Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc., and is used to treat schitzophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is the first drug to treat those disorders that can be inhaled. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved a drug called Adasuve. According to Reuters this drug delivers loxapine, which is an older antipsychotic drug, via being inhaled. Adasuve passes through the lungs and into the blood stream faster than a pill. Right now, Loxapine is only available as an oral medication. The drug is used to treat schizophrenia and … Continue reading →

How Pets Help Our Health

It’s something I grew up thinking, and I don’t even remember where I first heard the idea: pets improve your health. They’re especially good for the elderly or others living alone. Pets give you someone to care about and look after, bringing additional purpose and companionship to your life. Some recent medical studies, however, indicate that owning pets might have a more direct effect on our health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that pet ownership can decrease our blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Their studies also indicate that rates of stress, loneliness, and depression are lower among … Continue reading →

Top 5 Most Depressing Jobs

Last week there was a local talk show on. One of the co-hosts on it was talking about an article she had read, which listed the jobs that cause the highest rates of severe depression. This list might surprise you…but it might also include your particular career. First on the list were those who work in nursing homes and childcare centers or homes. Taking care of the elderly and the very young comes with a great deal of responsibility, yet the pay doesn’t match it. I can attest to this, since I used to work as a preschool teacher in … Continue reading →