Depression in Seniors

Most people are aware of the seriousness of fall-related injuries for older adults, but falling can also negatively impact an aging loved one’s mental health and overall quality of life.

It’s shocking for a caregiver to hear a loved one state they would rather be dead. When an elder speaks about wanting to die, it may be a sign of depression, or it could indicate that they just want to talk about the physical and emotional toll of aging.

Major depression is a serious but treatable condition. These are the four most effective depression treatment options that doctors recommend for seniors who are experiencing mental health issues.

Family caregivers report much higher levels of stress and depression compared to non-caregivers, but caregiving and depression don’t have to be a package deal. Use these tools to combat low mood and find treatment options that are right for you.

Depression is common in seniors but is not a normal part of aging. If you suspect an elderly loved one may be depressed, look for these symptoms.

Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s. It is caused by brain damage from a cerebrovascular or cardiovascular event—usually stroke—and results in various symptoms depending on the area of the brain affected.

Caregivers and seniors may benefit from this little-known form of psychotherapy that targets the symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress that can arise after a care recipient dies.

The diagnosis and treatment of mental illness in the elderly is challenging yet critical. Increasing awareness of the unique relationship between aging and psychiatric disorders is the first step toward improving mental health care for older adults.

Although caregivers are often cautioned against the dangers of burnout, there is an even more serious phenomenon called compassion fatigue that can be detrimental to both care providers and recipients.

Most caregivers who use elderspeak do so with the goal of enhancing interactions with their elders, not degrading them. However, “endearing” pet names and juvenile turns of phrase can erode a senior’s self-esteem and breed resentment.

Menopausal depression is a common problem for aging women. There are a number of effective options out there for treatment for both menopausal symptoms in general and depression more specifically.

The connection between people and pets is undeniable, but seniors may not be able to safely care for an animal on their own. Here's my solution.

Caregiver burnout doesn't happen all at once—it often sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Learn how to recognize the signs of increasing stress, understand your own limits and maintain honest self-awareness throughout the caregiving journey.

Caregiving is a stressful job even during the best of times. Don't be too hard on yourself if you blow up from time to time but do look for reasons why you are feeling angry or frustrated and learn how to offer a sincere apology.

More than any other medical professionals, nurses spend the most time providing hands-on care for patients and interacting with family caregivers. Here’s a list of six elder care insights that nurses share with family members who are new to caregiving.

Many seniors doze off throughout the day to compensate for poor sleep at night. However, if your aging loved one spends most of their time sleeping instead of engaging in life, it could indicate a more serious underlying problem.

Family caregivers often find themselves in high-stress, high-stakes situations where anxiety and depression can quickly take root. Left unchecked, these natural emotions can endanger a caregiver’s health and even be transferred to their care recipient.

It’s impossible to anticipate how a senior may interact with other residents and staff in settings like assisted living facilities and nursing homes, but staff should be prepared to handle difficult interpersonal issues and defuse tensions.

Pain is one of the most complex symptoms to treat. Sufferers aren’t always able to pinpoint exactly where they hurt, making the diagnosis and treatment tricky. But pain shouldn't keep your elderly loved one from enjoying activities they enjoy.

Finding time to sleep is one of the hardest things for a caregiver to do, but these six reasons demonstrate why caregiver respite should be a priority in any elder care plan.