Seasonal Depression and Professional In-Home Care

While seasonal depression can come and go, other forms of depression can be long term.  Feelings of sadness and getting the blues from time to time is normal and not something that should be worried about.  While there is no single cause of depression in any age group, there are signs of depression in a senior loved one to watch out for.  A recent loss of a loved one, recent mobility issues, and chronic medical conditions can lead to depression.  Depression in our senior loved ones can lead to a lower quality of life and can increase the feeling of loneliness and isolation

Since there is no definite cause of depression, the treatment isn’t always predictable.  Sometimes medication can be prescribed to help and other times it requires a lifestyle change.  Increasing physical activity like getting out for a walk around the neighborhood can help to boost a loved one’s mood.  Any time a senior loved one can get their body moving is likely to help them feel a little bit better.  Getting enough sleep is vital to staying healthy both emotionally and physically.  Aim to get as many hours needed as regularly as possible.  Regular visits from friends and family are also helpful for a senior loved one to feel loved and cared for. 

The winter days are shorter and the nights are longer and colder.  For those who typically live an active lifestyle, the sometimes-unfavorable weather conditions can be very limiting.  Some people become housebound during the fall and winter months and activities seem to drive to a halt.  Some families live a long distance from their elderly loved ones and the distance becomes more apparent during the winter months.  Depression around the fall and winter months is very real and can pose some problems for an elderly loved one. 

Some signs of depression in a senior loved one include sadness for a prolonged period of time, feelings of worthlessness, irritability and fatigue.  Depression can be the cause of physical aches and pains in older adults not explainable by medical conditions.  If a senior loved one is found crying often, has sleep problems or has unusual bouts of fatigue, they could all be signs of depression.  Lack of concentration and withdrawal from daily life are also signs of depression.

If you would like to learn more about caring and consistent

in-home senior care and the many benefits of professional elderly care or dementia and Alzheimer’s care, call Senior Helpers to speak to a senior care specialist today 423-710-1500!   In home senior care provided by compassionate caregivers is a wonderful resource for meal preparation for an elderly loved one.  This service will give family peace of mind that someone who truly cares for a senior loved one is checking in and providing companionship, especially during the difficult days of winter.  Senior Helpers of Chattanooga provides a wide range of services including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, personal assistance, companionship, and so much more to all areas of Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain.