The Physical Signs of Elderly Depression

 

 

The Physical Signs of Elderly Depression

Throughout this week, we’ve discussed the various aspects of elderly depression, from a brief overview (i.e. the physical effects, suicide rates, and the importance of addressing such issues), to the causes of depression.

Understanding the causes of your loved ones circumstance is only one part of understanding depression. In some instances, a parent may be able to hide their depression, requiring you to do a little detective work. So, to finish off this weeks guide, we’re going talk about a few signs that may indicate that your loved is depressed. Take a look below:

Physical Symptoms

As we’ve mentioned throughout this weeks guide, depression can be much more than a mental affliction. Because physical symptoms of depression can often be persistent, your parent may experience chronic pain or discomfort.

As such, it is important to take into account your loved ones physical health and to not rule out depression as a cause otherwise, such symptoms may not be properly treated.

Below, we’ve outlined some of the physical symptoms, which may indicate that your loved one has depression (adapted from WebMD):

  • Headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness. Headaches are perhaps the most common physical symptom of depression. Along with headaches, your loved one may experience dizziness or lightheadedness, which can increase the likelihood of serious injury from falling.
  • Back pain, muscle aches and joint pain. Along with causing chronic pain, depression may also heighten pain and discomfort caused by other health problems. If you loved one has back pain, muscle aches, or joint pain, it’s very possible that depression isn’t the cause but too many people don’t even consider it as a possibility when they see physical pain.
  • Chest pain.  Chest pain can also be a sign of depression. However, anyone experiencing chest pain should receive medical assistance immediately, as it may be a sign of serious heart, stomach, lung or other problems.
  • Change in appetite or weight. Your loved one may also have a change in appetite or weight. Whether your parent is gaining or losing weight, extreme fluctuations in weight and appetite can be a sign that your parent is depressed.
  • Digestive problems. Body changes caused by depression (i.e. drastic weight changes) can result in digestive problems as well. This may lead to digestive problems, such as diarrhea or constipation. In regards to diarrhea, be aware of your pars fluid intake, as it may lead to dehydration.
  • Exhaustion and fatigue. Another common symptom of depression is the feeling of exhaustion or fatigue. If your loved one finds it difficult to get out of bed in the morning or do daily task that they normally can do, they may be experiencing depression.
  • Sleeping problems. Along with exhaustion and fatigue, many people with depression may have difficulty sleeping or experience an imbalanced sleep cycle.

Check back on Monday to see our post on the mental signs of elderly depression, as well as the second part of our guide on Depression in the Elderly, which we will cover over the rest of the week. In the mean time, if you have any questions or concerns about your loved one, please feel free to give us a call. We’re here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Tracing the Causes of Depression In the Elderly

 

 

Tracing the Causes of Depression In the Elderly

On Monday, we gave you an introduction to elderly depression, discussing the physical effects, suicide rates, and the importance of addressing such issues.

As we mentioned then, depression can be difficult not only on our aging loved ones, but on the rest of the family as well. However, having an understanding of what elderly depression entails can help to ease the pain and suffering of your loved ones, as well as ease the stress it may put on your family.

One way to understand how and why depression occurs is by looking at its causes. To help you get on the right track, today, we’re going to talk about just that. Take a look below:

Physical Causes

As we discussed in our introduction to depression, depression can be more than just mental and this goes for its causes, as well. As we age, health becomes a very important, if not more serious concern, which is why the potential for depression is there when we find our health on the decline. Physical causes may include the following:

    • Chronic or severe pain: The inability to stop pain may frustrate your loved ones because they no longer feel in control of their body.
    • Disabilities/immobility: Like pain, your parent may feel stressed because they are unable be as active as they once were.
    • Change in physical appearance: Whether because of aging, surgery, or a disease, you parent may begin to feel self-conscious about their appearance, which may also lead to depression.
    • Medical conditions: As noted by helpguide.org, medical conditions afflicting the elderly can make a huge impact on their lives. In some instances, the illness may trigger their depression directly, or impact them psychologically. These conditions may include:
      • Parkinsons disease
      • Stroke
      • Heart disease
      • Cancer
      • Diabetes
      • Thyroid disorders
      • Vitamin B12 deficiency
      • Dementia and Alzheimers disease
      • Lupus
      • Multiple sclerosis

 

Bereavement or Loss (Non-Physical Causes)

To many, the most obvious cause of depression is linked to the loss of a loved one. As we age, the chance of experiencing such losses is likely to increase, which may lead an elderly person to have a less than optimistic outlook surrounding their loneliness or inability to prevent such losses.

So what exactly is the root of the problem?

As you were reading this, you may have noticed that your loved one is afflicted by a number of the things we have listed above. Unfortunately, there can be a number of causes that may lead one to depression, making it much more difficult to trace.

This small guide, however, may help you understand the serious of the situation, as well make you more sympathetic to your parents circumstance. It is important to remember that depression is more than just a simple problem that can be fixed understanding how complicated the situation can be is one of the key steps to help your parents through such a journey, so please make an effort to be more sympathetic towards them.

At Encompass, we strive to ensure the best quality of life through all stages of the aging process, and that means going through the good and the bad with you. If you are concerned about your loved ones well being or have any questions, please feel free to give Encompass a call. We are here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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A Few Basic Facts About Depression in the Elderly

 

 

A Few Basic Facts About Depression in the Elderly

A while back, we did a brief blog post on the topic of elderly depression. As we mentioned then, depression is a common problem for elderly people.

As we age, we’re faced with retirement, the death of loved ones, increased isolation, and declining health all of which have the possibility of affecting our outlook on life.

Depression can be hard, not only on our aging loved ones, but on the rest of the family as well, which is why it’s so important to make sure we do our best to ensure that our loved ones are properly cared for if and when depression strikes.

Throughout this week, we’ll talk about various aspects of elderly depression, from a general overview, to causes and signs of depression.

For today, we’ll begin with some basic things you need to know about depression in the elderly. Take a look below:

Depression is more than just mental.

Despite the fact that depression is considered a mental illness, depression can actually affect us physically, too. Those with depression will often experience chronic pain, fatigue, changes in appetite and weight, as well as difficulty sleeping.

In turn, their physical health can decline significantly and may result in other serious complications. This is part of the reason why it’s so important to not make your loved ones feel like it’s all just in their head. Doing so avoids addressing the issue and also increases the likelihood of causing your loved one suffering.

Suicide rates are high among the elderly.

According to a recent article in The New York Times New Old Age blog, 2010 statistics taken from the Center for Disease Control show that among those over 65, 14.9 per 100,000 take their own lives each year. Out of those numbers, elderly white men have the highest rate of suicide with about 29 per 100,000 over all, and more than 47 per 100,000 among those over age 85. Those numbers may be under-reported due to the stigma associated with suicide.

Depression is not inevitable.

Suicide and depression are especially difficult subjects to talk about. And, while many would rather avoid these subjects altogether, addressing such issues can do a lot to prevent unfortunate incidents such as suicide from occurring.

As we mentioned above, suicides among older people have declined in recent decades, which is likely attributed to improved screening and treatment of depression, meaning that depression can be avoidable (or at least treatable). By taking the proper steps to make sure your loved ones are adequately cared for, you can do a lot to maintain (if not improve) their outlook, despite all of the difficult trials they have gone through.

At Encompass, we strive to ensure the best quality of life through all stages of the aging process, and that means going through the good and the bad with you. If you are concerned about your loved ones well being or have any questions, please feel free to give Encompass a call. We are here to help.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Talking Money With Your Aging Parent: How to Start the Conversation

 

 

Talking Money With Your Aging Parent--How to Start the Conversation

Throughout this week, we’ve given you several tips on talking with your parents about their financial assets, from why it is important, to what information you need to ask for when having the conversation.

As we’ve mentioned before, money can be a quite a touchy subject which is why it’s so important to tread lightly and consider your parents point of view when approaching them.

Along with treading lightly, there are a few other things you should watch out for when approaching your parents. Here is what you need to know about getting the conversation started:

Awkward is okay (if not inevitable).

Let’s face it regardless of how you approach the situation, the conversation is bound to seem a little bit awkward and difficult. This is entirely okay.

In fact, AARP caregiving expert Amy Goyer, suggests acknowledging that with your parents. Being up front levels the playing field, reducing the chance of your loved one feeling guilty because they find the conversation difficult, while you seem completely okay. Refraining from putting on a poker face will make things much easier for everyone.

Let them stay in control.

It’s their money, not yours, so treat it as such.

The last thing you want is to make your loved one feel like they are losing control of their assets simply because they are getting old. Throughout all of your conversations, the key is to make sure that they feel like they are still in control, and that you’re only there to advise them when they no longer have the ability to.

Bring in the professionals.

It never hurts to have a second opinion. Try setting up a meeting with your loved ones doctor or lawyer, or maybe even ask if you can tag along next time they have an appointment.

Remember, though try to make sure your loved one doesn’t feel ganged up on. The more people there are joining in on the conversation, the more likely that can happen, so be careful.

Don’t lose your cool.

Most importantly, don’t lose your cool. While it can certainly be frustrating because you’re only trying to help, getting mad at your loved one won’t get you anywhere and will more than likely cause them to avoid the situation altogether. Be careful about what you say, and always their point of view in mind.

While these conversations aren’t easy, trying your best to maintain your composure and considering your parents point of view will make them much more manageable. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call. At Encompass we strive to make all stages of the aging process the best possible!

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Talking Money With Your Aging Parent: What to Ask For

 

 

Talking Money With Your Aging Parent-- What to Ask For

On Monday, we gave you an introduction on how to talk your parents about their financial affairs. As we mentioned, money can be a rather difficult subject to bring up.

Even so, having the conversation sooner, rather than later, is essential in order to make sure your parents are well taken care-of (and that you aren’t stuck in any unfortunate situations).

Today, we’re going to talk about some of things you should ask for in order to have the best outcome possible for you and your loved ones finances.

Beyond the will

A will is a common place to start for most parents when it comes to putting their financial assets in order. But as Amy Goyer, a caregiving expert at AARP points out, you need to know much more than whether a will exists. Having as much information as possible is the key to having the best possible outcome for you and your parents.

This includes the following:

  • Knowing where the will and any other important financial documents are kept
  • Whether they have a living will, and/or advanced health care directives in order to ensure their wishes are met
  • A durable power of attorney to ensure their financial affairs can be handled in case of an emergency.

Other information

What we’ve outlined above only scratches at the surface. Below, we’ve highlighted some more (adapted from About.com):

  • Social Security Numbers and Medicare numbers
  • Insurance: This includes details of all insurance policies, such as health, life, and long-term care
  • Health records
  • Debts and payments such as mortgages or any other loans
  • Income: retirement plans, social security, annuities, dividends, tax returns, etc.
  • Savings and investments, including bank account numbers and names of financial institutions
  • Location of safe deposit boxes and keys to the boxes
  • Names and phone numbers of legal advisors, doctors, attorneys, insurance agents, accountants, etc.

This may seem like a lot of information to look for–and while we don’t expect you to get everything in one go, we do believe that the more information you can get, the better the situation will be for you and your loved one.

Remember, thoug hit’s always important to tread lightly. Asking for all of this information can be quite overwhelming not only for your aging parent, but for you as well. Starting the conversation sooner rather than later can help to reduce the stress of asking, but it is always important to keep your parents point of view in mind. You are, after all, looking out for their best interest.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Talking Money With Your Aging Parent: An Introduction

 

 

Talking Money With Your Aging Parent An Introduction

Money can be a touchy subject. More often than not, people would rather keep to themselves when it comes to what goes in out of their checkbook and bank accounts.

As a result, it can be quite difficult to have those important conversations. That’s especially true with your aging parents, who are likely not used to someone else managing their finances.

To make matters worse, the stigma associated with inquiring about your parents money (i.e. the conniving child who is only looking to cash in after everything is all said and done) can cause a lot of problems for you even though you are genuinely trying to help.

To make things easier on you and your loved ones, throughout this week, we’re going to talk about a few important tips when it comes to talking money with your aging parent–from why it is important, to important information you need to know, and how to get the conversation going.

For today, we’re going to talk about why you should start thinking about talking to your parents about their finances.

Step One: Tread Lightly.

We’re going to stress this point throughout our guide because it is so important when it comes to having these conversations: you must always remember to tread lightly.

Consider your parents point of view when you start asking about their finances. Even though you are genuinely trying to help, your parent might feel ashamed or embarrassed. They were, after all, balancing their checkbooks when you were little and even before then, so keep that in mind as you begin to think about helping them.

Why Talking Money Is Important.

Simply put, helping your parents get all of their financial affairs in order will make things much easier for you and your loved ones in the event of a crisis. Take for example, Krysten Crawford, whose unfortunate story was the center of this article in the New York Times. Because her mother passed away before anything could be done, Ms. Crawford was left with her mothers debt and the inability to pay because she couldn’t even know how much was owed to the bank.

Stories like these can be heartbreaking, because not only do they cause trouble for the children–they may also detract from the good memories/image of the parent, which is the last thing anyone wants.

Finding the Right Time.

There is no magic number or time frame for when you should talk to your parents about their finances. Regardless, we suggest having the conversation sooner rather than later. Taking note of their health and looking for signs of trouble (see here and here) is also important when it comes to determining when it is time for talking money. And, as we mentioned above, tread lightly and be considerate of your aging parent–their point of view is important.

Check back on Wednesday when we’ll show you what to look for when it comes time to have the talk about money. In the meantime, let us know what you think by connecting with us on Twitter. We’d love to hear from you!

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Knowing When Your Parent Needs Help: The Mental Signs

 

 

Knowing When Your Parent Needs Help-- The Mental Signs

As we mentioned in our previous post about the physical signs of knowing when your parent needs help, knowing when to extend a helping hand out to your parents can be rather difficult. This is especially true for those parents who really cherish their independence.

As a result, figuring out when the time is right can require a bit of detective work on your end.

We already covered the physical signs, so today, we’re going to talk about a few of the mental signs that an aging parent needs help. Take a look below:

Not just a senior moment

Your parents may want to shrug off their forgetfulness or mood swings as another one of those senior moments, but the reality is that these can be serious signs of a decline in their health.

While we’re not suggesting that you should self-diagnose these situations as symptoms of dementia or Alzheimers, we do believe it is necessary to be aware of the possibility of these issues. In turn, your preparedness can help a professional make an expert judgment for you.

Here are some signs to help make a more informed decision on the matter:

Memory loss

Memory loss can cause a lot of trouble for your loved ones, in turn making it difficult for them to care for themselves. Some signs of memory loss may include:

  • Medication errors or forgetting to take medication all together
  • Getting lost frequently
  • Forgetting to pay bills
  • Forgetting to do familiar tasks, such as making coffee, locking the door, etc
  • Accusing others of stealing (e.g. money, food, household items)
  • Difficulty cooking (e.g. burnt pots and pans/food)

Depression/Anxiety

A change in your parents mood can also be a sign of a decline in health that can compromise how they care for themselves. Although difficult to detect, here are some signs that your loved ones may be experiencing depression of anxiety:

  • Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
  • Frequent mood swings
  • Increased feeling of guiltiness in being helped
  • Withdrawal from social activities
  • Increased lack of energy
  • Increased pain
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Lack of self-regard

Though it may be difficult to watch your parents health and well-being decline, taking the initiative to look out for these signs sooner rather than later is one of the best ways to prevent any further problems from developing. In turn, you help to ensure that they maintain and/or improve their health, increasing the chances of them aging comfortably.

If you ever feel concerned about your parents state of health and would like to have your questions answered, please give Encompass a call “we are dedicated to ensuring the best care in all stages of the aging process.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living “currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa“provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Knowing When Your Parent Needs Help: The Physical Signs

 

 

Knowing When Your Parent Needs Help--The Physical Signs

As we age, everyday tasks become much more difficult for us to accomplish and as a result, the need for assistance may increase.

But the perceived threat of dependence is something that troubles most elderly people, especially when a parent has to rely on his or her own children. As a result, your parent may not outright say they need your help, requiring you to do a little detective work.

Throughout this week, we’re going to talk about the signs, both physical and mental, that show that your parents may need some assistance.

Today, we’re going to concentrate on the physical signs. Although both the physical and mental are intertwined, we’re going to break down the two to make things easier to follow. Take a look below:

Personal Appearance

Your mom or dad has always been well put-together, but lately it seems as if they could not care less about how they take care of their personal appearance. While some may argue that they simply don’t care because they have nothing to prove at their age, it could be a sign that they simply can’t take care of themselves.

Here are a few specific signs to consider:

  • Your loved one is beginning to lose weight due to poor dieting
  • They may have an unpleasant body odor because they can no longer shower or bathe themselves
  • Their grooming habits have significantly decreased
  • Their clothing is dirtier or more unkempt than usual due to difficulty of washing clothes

Other serious indicators:

  • They have a significant amount of bruising that they can’t explain
  • They have difficulty standing up or sitting down
  • They have difficulty walking, balancing, and with general mobility

Their Home

Along with their appearance, their home may be in disarray because they are unable to perform daily chores such as cleaning and organizing. Here are some more signs:

  • Piles of unopened mail or a stuffed mailbox
  • Clutter around the house, such as dirty laundry or pots and pans
  • Unpleasant order in the house due to trash not being taken out, dirty laundry, or a refrigerator that hasn’t been cleaned out for a long time.

Finding your parent in such a state can be rather disheartening, but taking the proper steps to ensure that they receive the adequate care they need will help to improve their lives significantly.

If you ever feel concerned about your parents state of health and would like to have your questions answered, please give Encompass a call–we are dedicated to ensuring the best care in all stages of the aging process.

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Traveling with an Aging Parent: A Few Friendly Reminders

 

 

Traveling with an Aging Parent--A Few Friendly Reminders

Throughout this week, we’ve given you several guides outlining the pros and cons of flying and driving, as well as other options for traveling with an aging parent.

So, in anticipation of your trip, we’re going to give you a few last-minute tips in order to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.

You can find our final tips for traveling with an aging parent below:

Plan ahead

Perhaps the most important tip we can give you is to plan ahead. Making all of the necessary arrangements before you hit the road or get on the plane will make things much easier on you and your aging parent in the long run. Here are a few things we suggest:

  • Make an itinerary: First things first, where would you like to go? Having a schedule helps put your loved one at ease and allows them to visualize the trip rather than waiting around for you. It also makes them feel like they are a part of the decision making process, and not just a tag along.
  • Call ahead for special needs: This is extremely important when it comes to flying, but will also be important when driving or taking a cruise. Make sure to let your airline know if you need assistance for checking in, security, and getting from one terminal to the next. If you need special seating arrangements on the plane, it’s best to let them know when you are purchasing the tickets.
  • Lodging: Make sure to call the hotel and see if they do anything to accommodate seniors (e.g. elevator access, showers/tubs with senior accessibility, etc.).
  • Check the weather: Figuring out what the weather will be like ahead of time will help to ensure that your loved one is appropriately dressed throughout the trip. This can also potentially lighten the load you’ll need to pack for the trip.

“Make a list and check it twice

Making a list is another great way to prepare for a trip. Not only will it keep you organized–it will also guarantee that you have everything you need, such as medicine, documents, and clothes.

Keep the essentials handy

Keep all essential items ready to go in a carry on bag when flying. If you are driving, you should still have these items within arms’ reach. Try to keep a small bag of your essentials in the front of the car instead of the trunk. And, if you are traveling in the summer, make sure to take your medications out of the car when you park, as the hot temperature can ruin your meds.

Here are some of the essentials we suggest having on hand:

  • (Extra) medications, clearly labeled with name, dosage, and instructions for administering
  • Medical records/documentation
  • Identification such as a government issued photo I.D./Passport
  • Cell phone with necessary phone numbers
  • List of emergency contact info

This might seem like a lot of work, but preparing yourself will do wonders to help make the trip much more relaxing for both you and your loved one. If you have any questions about what you see above, or would like more advice, please give us a call. We’d love to help make your trip a success!

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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Traveling with an Aging Parent: Driving and Other Alternatives

 

 

Traveling with an Aging Parent-- Driving and Other Alternatives

On Monday, we gave you the pros and cons of flying for your holiday travels and beyond. Traveling with an aging parent can be difficult, both for you and your loved one.

So, to make things easier, we’re going to talk about more options, along with their pros and cons. Take a look below:

Driving

Pros

  • Leisurely pace: One of the major advantages to driving is that it allows you to go at your own pace. Not only do you get to pick and choose when you want to get to your destination, you also have the opportunity to take little side trips to along the way.
  • No deadlines: Along with going at your own pace, driving means no strict deadlines. Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of the airport can be a little intimidating for an aging parent. Having to worry about getting your loved onto the gate can be frustrating and overwhelming for not only yourself, but for your parent as well.
  • Frequent breaks: Driving also allows you to take frequent breaks, which is great for allowing your aging parent to move around to prevent stiffness that causes muscle and joint discomfort.

Cons

  • Longer travel time: One major setback of driving is that it takes significantly longer to get to your travel destination. For the parent who doesn’t enjoy traveling, this can be a problem. And, if you only have a certain amount of time to vacation, this shortens the amount of time you have to enjoy yourself at your travel destination, which might defeat the purpose of traveling for some people.

Other considerations: the cruise vacation

We mentioned cruises in our short post on vacationing during the holidays, but the option bears mentioning again. Cruises are very senior-friendly, and many provide services that specifically cater to the elderly. And, cruising is a great way to explore exotic places hassle-free.

If your parents don’t have a fear of water and aren’t prone to motion sickness, this is certainly an option to consider.

Traveling during the holidays can have its ups and downs, but having your options will hopefully make it easier and more enjoyable for you and your aging parent.

Now that you’ve seen some of your options, what you do you think? Do you think your parent would prefer to fly, drive, or take a cruise? Let us know by connecting with us on Twitter!

Physicians’ Choice Private Duty Assisted Living currently serving Omaha, Eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa provides seniors and their families a complete understanding of geriatric care options and helps families maneuver through the challenges of the system. Get your free Cost Comparison guide by clicking here. Or contact us for a free consultation or just to say hello!

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