Home Care for Seniors with Depression – Symptoms and Prevention Tips

Edmonton Senior Health  |  May 15, 2024

What Every Senior in Edmonton Needs to Know About Home Care for Seniors with Depression

Home Care for Seniors with Depression | When it comes to caring for seniors at home, understanding their needs is essential. Regardless of age, individuals must lead fulfilling lives that promote physical and mental wellness. However, older adults may face limited eyesight, social isolation, mobility limitations, and memory impairments that can hinder their enjoyment of life.

#DYK – More than 1.8 million Canadians over 60 years of age are living with a mental health problem or illness. May is #MentalHealthAwareness month and Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to share important information about depression in seniors.

Why is it important for seniors to focus on their mental health?

• Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation (Forbes).
• The health effects of social isolation and loneliness on seniors are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day (AARP.org).
• Depression in the elderly is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and risk of death from illness (WebMD).

Indicators of depression among older adults may include altered demeanour, social withdrawal, decrease in body weight, exhaustion, or decreased enjoyment of previously pleasurable pastimes.

Here are a few suggestions about home care for seniors with depression and what can be done to get started with healthy habits:

• Exercise – Consult a physician before beginning any form of physical activity or fitness regimen. Those deemed able and cleared to exercise may experience improved physical and mental well-being. Studies have shown that exercise can have a beneficial impact on the brain.
• Connection – Throughout all stages of life, numerous individuals derive pleasure from being in the company of their loved ones. For older adults who face limitations in mobility or cannot drive, as well as those with distant relatives, social isolation can pose a challenge. Nevertheless, services that can aid in overcoming these obstacles, such as transportation assistance, in-home care support, and technology promote connectivity. Seeking external sources of aid can also be beneficial.
• Volunteering – Participating in volunteer work allows individuals to utilize their skills and contribute to the community, giving a sense of direction and satisfaction. Numerous organizations offer specialized programs and opportunities for older adults.
• Spending time on joyful activities – Everyone has a unique interest or activity that brings them joy, such as music, art, dance, gardening, or games. Seniors benefit from activities in their daily routines to enhance their overall well-being.

Comfort Keepers® in Edmonton Can Help with In-Home Elder Care!

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with retirement care, 24-hour care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers®’ are trained caregivers who help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. 

Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Moreover, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality: empathy. Empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Home Care Edmonton

To learn more about senior care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office to discuss our unique service offering. If you live in Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

Is Invoicing Modelling and Client Direct Home Care the Right Option for You?

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. Read more about the program HERE.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible. Recently awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada, our Edmonton location has achieved the highest available certification in Canada for Home Care services, clearly demonstrating Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton.

References

Science Daily/McMaster University. “Working it Out: Researchers find exercise may help fight depression in seniors.” Web. 2019.

WebMD. “Depression in the Elderly.” Web.

Healthline. “Geriatric Depression (Depression in Older Adults).” Web.

Mental Health Commission of Canada.  “Seniors”.  Web.

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