Interactive Caregiving: The Truth About Senior Depression in Canada

Interactive Caregiving  |  May 14, 2024

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Depression and Mental Health

Senior Depression in Canada | Depression is a common problem among older adults, but it is NOT a normal part of aging. Studies show that most seniors feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems.

Senior Depression in Canada FACTS: #DYK – 10 to 15% of seniors suffer from depression in Canada. The percentage of women suffering from depression is almost double that of men.

Seniors with depression feel more than just sad or blue. A common, but serious mood disorder, depression requires real treatment. Never view it as a sign of weakness or flawed character – or think you can “turn it off.” The truth about senior depression in Canada is that it is real and an illness with serious consequences.

The Truth About Senior Depression in Canada

Grief after the loss of a loved one is a normal reaction and generally does not require professional mental health treatment. On the other hand, seniors that experience major life changes may feel uneasy, stressed and sad. 

In other words, moving from work into retirement, or dealing with a serious illness can leave people feeling down or anxious. After a period of adjustment, many older adults can regain their emotional balance, but others do not and may develop depression.

Senior Depression in Canada: The Risks for the Elderly

Mental illness, like depression, can reduce a senior’s ability to rehabilitate. It is important to make sure that seniors are evaluated and treated, even if the depression is mild. Studies of nursing home patients with physical illnesses have shown that the presence of depression substantially increases the likelihood of death from those illnesses. 

Feeling of depression are associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases, death from illness, and death following a heart attack. 

While depression is more common in women, it more often increases the risk of suicide in older men. The suicide rate in people ages 80 to 84 is more than twice that of the general population. As a result, the National Institute of Mental Health considers depression in people 65 and older to be a major public health problem.

Seven Warning Signs of Senior Depression in Canada

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from depression, pay attention to these health indicators:

#1 Irritability:

Sudden mood changes can suggest depression. If a normally cheerful senior now gets easily irritated, take note.

#2 Loss of Self-Regard:

Experts say that one of the most obvious signs of depression in seniors is when they show a lack of pride in their appearance. Perhaps your mother has stopped wearing makeup, or your father has stopped bathing.

#3 Social Withdrawal:

Depressed seniors tend to shut out others and avoid social situations.

#4 Increased Pain:

Depression often amplifies physical pain.

#5 Recent Illness or Surgery:

Seniors recovering from major illness or surgery are much more likely to develop a depressive episode, and some go on to have a depression disorder. Research shows that 15 percent of people who are discharged from a hospital leave with depressive symptoms.

#6 Recent Loss:

Older persons have a much higher risk than younger people of falling into depression after the loss of a loved one. It’s quite common.

#7 Insomnia:

Studies have linked depression with the inability to sleep, and insomnia is a risk factor for depression onset and recurrence – particularly in seniors.

Available Treatments for Senior Depression in Canada

Doctors are encouraged to screen for depression with their senior patients routinely. Using a series of standard questions, a primary care doctor can provide an effective screening for depression, allowing for better diagnosis and treatment. 

Sometimes, a combination of the following treatments may be used. Ask your loved one’s doctor more about these protocols.

There are several treatment options available for seniors with depression:

• Medicine
• Psychotherapy or counselling
• Electroconvulsive therapy or other newer forms of brain stimulation (such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)). 

Senior Depression in Canada: Don’t Let Your Senior Loved One Suffer

While it’s natural to experience some grief in the face of major life changes, clinical depression doesn’t go away by itself, can last for several months, and needs to be treated by a professional.  It’s best to be a part of the solution – and because of the social stigma attached to this disorder, you’ll be doing your loved one a favour.

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from minor or major depressive symptoms, encourage him or her to seek help. Comfort Keepers® can help. Our Interactive Caregiving™ engages our senior clients physically, mentally, and emotionally while living independently at home. 

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. 

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Respite Care, Overnight Care, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Companion Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ delivers a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Senior Homecare in Vancouver, BC

Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance for Seniors Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers® offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

References:

• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Senior Health. “Depression”. Web. 2016.
• American Psychological Association. “Aging and Depression”. Web. 2016.
• A Place for Mom. “Elderly Depression: Symptoms & Care”. Web. 2015.
• WebMD. “Depression in the Elderly”. Web. 2016.
• Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. “Frequently Asked Questions – Seniors and Depression”.  Web 2016.

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