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® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a wider range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

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

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like, Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, MB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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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