By Dr. Macie Smith
As we age, life events, health challenges and the loss of loved ones can take a toll on our emotional well-being. According to the National Institute on Aging, depression is a serious mood disorder that affects your mood, actions and thought processes. This disorder can result in a persistent feeling of sadness and apathy, often caused by a traumatic event, a loss or health-related issues.
Depression in older adults is more common than you think. About 6 million adults 65 and up are dealing with depression, but it’s often overlooked in this population, as its symptoms may be mistaken for normal stress, physical health issues, normal aging or even dementia. That’s why understanding the signs of depression is important to ensuring seniors receive the support they need to maintain their quality of life.
Key Signs to Recognize When Your Loved One May Be Experiencing Depression:
• Feelings of anxiety, apathy, emptiness, or sadness
• Abnormal sleeping habits
• Difficulty concentrating or heightened levels of confusion
• Crying
• Isolation
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Loss of interest in doing activities
• Neglecting hygiene
• Unusual weight changes or change in appetite
• Decreased energy
If you notice these signs in your loved one, addressing them promptly can make a significant difference in their overall health.
How SYNERGY HomeCare Can Help
At SYNERGY HomeCare, we understand that supporting older adults goes beyond meeting their physical needs – it requires an all-encompassing approach to their overall health. That’s why we’ve developed the Total Well-Being program, a wellness program designed to enhance your loved one’s physical, emotional and social well-being.
Here are three areas in which the Total Well Being program can help combat the effects of depression:
Supporting Physical Well-Being in Older Adults
• Care and Companionship – Personal caregivers assist with daily activities, ensuring your loved one feels supported and safe. Beyond physical help, caregivers can provide emotional reassurance, creating a sense of comfort and belonging.
• Medication Reminders – Consistent reminders help seniors maintain their health routines, reducing stress and confusion.
• Fall and Injury Prevention – Through light exercises and mobility assistance, seniors can regain confidence in their physical abilities, which is crucial for maintaining independence and boosting your loved one’s mood.
Promoting Emotional Well-Being to Combat Depression
• Companion Care – Seniors who experience loneliness can benefit from meaningful relationships with their caregivers. Activities like walks, games and engaging conversations help reduce isolation.
• Wellness Calls – These regular check-in calls help prevent loneliness and serve as a consistent reminder of care and concern.
• Mindfulness Exercises – Techniques like deep breathing and relaxation encourage seniors to focus on the positive.
Enhancing Social Well-Being for Improved Mental Health
• Social Engagement – Caregivers help your loved one reconnect with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and participate in local community activities. Not only will this reduce feelings of isolation but it will also improve cognitive function.
The Total Well-Being program doesn’t just support seniors, it also helps their families and caregivers. Respite care offers families the chance to rest and recharge, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones are actively cared for.
If you or a loved one are concerned about depression, don’t hesitate to seek help. Please visit https://synergyhomecare.com/ or call (877) 432-2692 to learn more about how you or your loved one can benefit from our Total Well Being Program.
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SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or contact us to learn how we can provide additional support to you and your loved ones.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, click here.
