Depression in Older Adults
What is Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that can affect the way we feel, act, and think. It is a common problem among older adults. However, it is not a normal part of aging. Depression gets better with treatment!
It is estimated that for older adults living in the community, 1% to about 5% of them have major depression. This number increases to 13.5% for older adults who need home healthcare and 11.5% for older adults that are hospitalized.
The first step to managing depression is talking with your doctor about symptoms so they can help you find the treatment that’s right for you.
What can depression look like?
Everyone can experience depression differently. Some of the symptoms for depression in older adults are:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Eating more or less than usual, usually with unplanned weight gain or loss
- Thoughts of dying
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, please see your doctor. You may be experiencing depression or another medical condition. The earlier you can identify symptoms the faster you can receive treatment.
It is also important to note that depression can look different depending on a person’s cultural background. Depression may be displayed as physical symptoms, such as aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems.
If you are a friend or caregiver, and you notice the above symptoms encourage the person to seek medical treatment. You won’t be able treat their depression, but you can also offer your time and support by encouraging them to seek medical attention or spending time doing what they enjoy.
Are you at risk for depression?
Symptoms of depression can begin to show after changes to the brain or major life events. Through research the following factors have shown to be related to the risk of depression but do not necessarily cause depression:
- Medical condition, such as stroke or cancer
- Family history of depression
- Stress
- Sleep problems
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Functional limitations
How is depression treated?
Once diagnosed with depression there are multiple forms of treatment. One common form of treatment is psychotherapy, also known as counseling or “talk therapy,” which can help address troubling emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Additionally, antidepressant medication can be prescribed to help balance hormones that affect mood.
Everyone is different and different combinations of treatment may be tried to be able to find the one that works for you. Some lifestyle changes may also be recommended to help complement treatment, such as, increasing physical activity, eating a healthy diet, or engaging in activities you enjoy. Research has shown that engaging in activities that you enjoy can have a positive impact on your mental health.
Individuals who experience depression may also benefit from the helpful tips listed here.
How can CenterLight help participants diagnosed with depression?
CenterLight PACE is committed to delivering our participants the personalized care that they need. So, we are here to help if you begin to experience symptoms of depression. Here is how:
- CenterLight PACE Social Worker will conduct a Patient Health Questionnaire to assess your mood, provide supportive counseling during visits, make referrals, and coordinate the care plan and communicate with your primary care provider.
- Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Specialists will engage our participants in activities that they enjoy, assisting in the improvement of physical and mental health.
- Medical Providers can collaborate with your primary care doctors and specialists to facilitate medication management.
- At our PACE Day Health Centers, participants receive services designed to support their overall well-being, from medical care to social activities and meals. In addition, participants can benefit from enhanced emotional and physical health by attending the PACE Center. Get an inside look at the services we offer at our centers.
Remember, here at CenterLight you have a full team working together to address your needs. You can get the help and treatment needed to manage depression.
Additional Resources
NYC Well/ NYC 998 provides free, confidential mental health support via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages.
If you are experiencing feelings of depression or any of the symptoms listed above, please let your social worker or any member of your care team know. You may also call the CenterLight PACE Service Coordination Team at 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM-8PM, M-F.
CenterLight is committed to providing accurate health-related information to help individuals live well, stay healthy and make well-informed healthcare decisions. Information in this material is strictly educational. We recommend that readers consult with their doctor regarding their care. If you would like to learn more about CenterLight, please call: 1-833-252-2737 (TTY 711), 8AM - 8PM, Monday - Friday. Representatives or message service also available on weekends.
This blog post is written by Stacey Thompson, LCSW, Social Work Manager at CenterLight Healthcare PACE.
H3329 Blog_no PO info updated 09052024
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