Useful Tips For Combating Depression in Seniors

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  May 15, 2024

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Dealing with Depression

Depression in Seniors | Finding joy and purpose in regular daily activities and staying connected with loved ones are often regarded as instrumental in maintaining both physical and mental health in golden years. For many aging adults, this may prove to be a challenging task as age-related difficulties such as medical conditions and mobility issues can make enjoying life more difficult.

Sadly, more than 1.8 senior Canadians struggle with some type of mental health problem or illness.

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

• Isolated seniors are at a much higher risk of mental and physical decline than their more active peers (Forbes).
• Loneliness in seniors can have the same hazardous effect as smoking as much as 15 cigarettes per day (AARP.org).
• Depression is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and a higher mortality rate from illnesses (WebMD).

As aging adults are often reluctant to speak about their problems, you need to be particularly watchful for signs of depression in your loved one. This might include frequent changes in mood and behaviour, self-imposed isolation, weight issues, fatigue, as well as diminished enthusiasm about favourite activities.

Should you notice any of the aforementioned signs, ensure to openly talk to your parent and encourage them to engage in the following activities.

Ways to Combat Depression in Seniors:

Exercise – A low-impact exercise regimen approved by a physician can have a far-reaching effect on your loved one’s mental wellness and help them reap a plethora of additional health benefits.

Connection – Depression in seniors often develops as a result of social isolation caused by chronic illness, mobility issues, the inability to drive, or when loved ones live out of town. Some solutions to prevent isolation and subsequent depression include scheduling transportation, professional home care assistance to provide companionship, and utilizing the internet to keep in touch with family far away.

Volunteering – Contributing to a cause they feel passionate about can help your loved one find a sense of purpose and fulfillment and keep depression at bay.

Hobbies and favourite activities – Rekindling an old hobby or adopting a new one can bring lots of joy to your parents and significantly improve their quality of life.

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight 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® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

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

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

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

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria 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. 

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