Depression which goes un-diagnosed and un-treated can seriously affect the quality of life. A staggering 15% of older people experience depression at some point in later life. The rate is even higher in nursing and care homes where some 20% of all residents are depressed.
Depression, if left untreated leads to all sorts of problems. Your client may even start to feel suicidal. Unfortunately, there are some conditions which mask the signs of depression, and unless you are very ‘in tune’ with your client, you may miss them altogether.
Certain medications will have side effects which may be confused with depression, and in this case even the family may not realise that their mother or father is depressed. Heart disease medication often has side effects which are very similar to depression.
Some of the symptoms to watch out for are:
Mental cloudiness or confusion. These may be attributed to your client ‘just getting on a bit’, and in fact many people come to expect this as normal for an older person. If your client seems more confused than you remember, then it is worth a trip to the GP just to make sure all is well.
Loss of a loved one or friend. As your client ages, you will find that friends invariably pass away. The circle of loved ones and friends will become smaller. Sometimes your client may feel sad and hopeless at yet another loss of a friend or loved one. If you are with a couple, or start with a client who has recently lost a spouse, you may expect them to be depressed.
Some diseases mimic depression. Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease all have symptoms which mimic depression, namely loss of appetite, lethargy, and generally feeling down. While the symptoms may genuinely be due to the disease, you should have the client checked out to be sure that this is not depression.
Loss of interest. If you notice that your client is not interested in things that they had previously enjoyed, such as a walk in the park, pottering around the garden, doing the crossword or even shopping, it is time to talk to the GP.
Once you are sure that your client is suffering from depression, and not from any medication or disease, there are some things you can do to help them through this patch.
Talking: encourage them to explain to you what it is that worries them. It may be that they are afraid of death, or they worry about another family member. Any number of things may be on their mind. Talking is a great way for your client to let you into their world. This way you have an idea of how they feel.
Doing: Try to take things in small steps. Do not plan major outings where your client will feel tired at the end. Small outings like a walk around the garden will be a good way to start. Try to encourage your client to get out of the house every day, even if it is only for a few minutes at a time.
Learn something: Sometimes all your client needs is something to take their mind off feeling bad. Try another puzzle instead of a crossword. Perhaps you could interest them in a jigsaw. A trip to the library to get a new book, or picking up some plants for the garden will distract them.
Laugh: Most families have a collection of old videos. Search out the comedy shows, or shows that they used to watch and laugh at. Dads’ Army is always a favourite! Laughter is one of the best ways for chasing away feelings of sadness, and may just work to bring your client back into a happier place.
Depression is never to be mocked or taken lightly. It is a very serious illness and can have devastating results, so if you think your client is suffering from it, do not hesitate. Make an appointment to at least talk to the GP, and then follow it up with a visit to confirm and start treatment.
