Try: Depression is fairly common with care recipients crs caregivers cgs often can’t tell the difference between depression and dementia because they have similar symptoms including memory problems sluggish speech and movements and low motivation the list of symptoms shown below may help the cg distinguish between the two before moving forward to find an appropriate intervention symptoms of depression cr cr’s mental decline is relatively rapid cr knows the correct time date and where he or she is cr has difficulty concentrating cr cr’s language and motor skills are slow but normal cr notices or worries about memory problems symptoms of dementia cr cr’s mental decline happens slowly cr becomes confused disoriented and gets lost in familiar locations cr has difficulty with short-term memory cr cr’s writing speaking and motor skills are impaired cr doesn’t notice memory problems or seem to care information references adapted from www helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Cognitive Intellectual, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Social

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Keywords: Depression symptoms dementia

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Depression can be a serious problem in some care recipients crs depression affects much more than the cr’s mood if it is left untreated it can impact physical health impair memory and reduce concentration the symptoms of depression affect many aspects of life including energy appetite sleep interest in work hobbies and relationships unfortunately many depressed crs and caregivers cgs fail to recognize the symptoms of depression and don’t take the steps to get the help they need there are many reasons depression in older crs is so often overlooked depression isn’t a sign of weakness or a character flaw it can happen to anyone at any age regardless of background or previous accomplishments in life depression can be treated and with the right support treatment and self-help strategies the cr can feel better and live a happy and vibrant life information references adapted from www helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Depression symptoms treatment

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Depression is unfortunately common in some care recipients cr however since depression in older crs is often the result of a difficult life situation or challenge any treatment plan should address this difference for example if loneliness is at the root of the depression medication alone is probably not going to cure the problem additionally any medical issues complicating the depression must also be addressed antidepressant treatment for the cr crs are more sensitive to drug side effects and vulnerable to interactions with other medicines they’re taking be aware of these possibilities and make sure the cr discusses them with a doctor alternative medicine for depression in the cr herbal remedies and natural supplements can also be effective in treating depression however some herbal supplements may cause interactions with certain medications or occasionally carry side effects so always check with a doctor examples include folic acid and omega-3 counseling and therapy for the cr therapy may work well on depression because it addresses the underlying causes of the depression rather than just the symptoms supportive counseling includes religious and peer counseling it can ease loneliness and the hopelessness of depression and help the cr find new purpose support groups for depression illness or bereavement connects the cr with others who are going through the same challenges they are a safe place to share experiences advice and encouragement note if the cr shows any of these symptoms consult a physician information references helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Depression treatment

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Depression is a serious problem in some care recipients crs for older crs death of a friend of loved one is common fact of life grieving over these losses is normal and healthy even if the feelings of sadness last for a long time losing all hope and joy however is not normal distinguishing between grief and clinical depression isn’t always easy since they share many symptoms however there are ways to tell the difference remember grief is a often an up and down experience it involves a wide variety of emotions and a mix of good and bad days even when you’re in the middle of the grieving process you will have moments of pleasure or happiness with depression on the other hand the feelings of emptiness and despair are constant other symptoms that suggest depression not just grief intense pervasive sense of guilt thoughts of suicide or a preoccupation with dying feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness slow speech and body movements inability to function at work home and or school seeing or hearing things that aren’t there information references adapted fro www elpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Personal

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Keywords: Depression loss of a loved one bereavement

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Depression is unfortunately common in some care recipients cr some crs will be tempted to use alcohol to deal with physical and emotional pain the cr may think it helps with sleep or dealing with painful feelings while alcohol may make the cr feel better in the short term it can cause problems over time alcohol makes symptoms of depression irritability and anxiety worse and impairs your brain function alcohol also interacts in negative ways with numerous medications including antidepressants and while drinking may help the cr fall asleep it can impair the quality of sleep it is important to monitor the crs access to alcohol if abuse is suspected note if the cr shows signs of depression contact a physician information references helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Depression alcohol

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Depression is a serious problem in some care recipients cr causes and risk factors that contribute to depression in older adults and the elderly include health problems – illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease medications, depression is a common side effect of certain medications loneliness and isolation – living alone can contribute to depression reduced sense of purpose – feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities fears – fear of death or dying; anxiety over series problems or health concerns recent bereavement – the death of friends family members and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner note if the cr has signs of depression consult a physician information references helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Personal

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Keywords: Depression health medication sadness

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: If the Care recipient (cr) wants to try and remain in home she will often have to rely on family for help it is important to remember that everyone has different family structures and support when making a decision about remaining at home the cr should consider her own family structure culture and expectations that family members might have the cr and family should have a conversation about the cr’s wishes sometimes the cr and family will want to work out a system where caregiving by family is the primary support for staying in the home or it could be that work health issues or location of the family may not make this feasible while this conversation may not be easy it’s better to discuss earlier and to get issues out on the open than wait for an emergency when options may be more limited an independent opinion such as a home assessment by a geriatric case manager or consulting with other professionals can be helpful if the family disagrees with the cr even if the cr has family support she will likely also have to consider outside help also caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting so a third party caregiver is an option information references helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Caregiver Needs&Support, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Home family caregiving help

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Sometimes the Care recipient (cr) refuses to stop driving over the objections and concerns of others this can be extremely difficult for the caregiver especially if the senior is a parent or other close figure used to having their independence however the safety of the cr and the safety of others are more important an unsafe driver can seriously injure or kill themselves or others first try to discuss driving with the cr if repeated attempts fail the cr will need medical evaluations as a last resort the caregiver may want to consider making a report to the department of motor vehicles also even if the cr loses his license further steps may need to be taken for example someone may need to take away the car keys sell or disable the car or even asking the local police to warn the cr remember although this may be difficult for the cr try to frame the discussion as safety for the cr and the safety of others information references helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Independence

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Keywords: Driving car transportation

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: As the Care recipient (cr) gets older driving habits and abilities can change for the cr’s safety it is important to pay attention to any warning signs that age is interfering with driving safety and make appropriate adjustments if people are concerned about the cr’s driving keep an eye out for warning signs conflicting medications certain medications or combinations of medications can affect senses and reflexes check the label on medications and speak with a doctor if the cr’s medication may be affecting him eyesight problems some eye conditions or medications can interfere with the ability to focus peripheral vision or cause the cr to experience extra sensitivity to light trouble seeing in the dark or blurred vision hearing problems if the cr’s hearing becomes impaired he may not realize his diminished ability to hear other cars problems with reflexes and range of motion the cr may begin to have problems turning to check a blind spot or turning to back up the car close calls and increased citations look for red flags in the cr these may include frequent dents and scrapes on the car or on fences mailboxes garage doors and curbs an increase in traffic tickets or close calls may be other signs information references helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Mobility

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Keywords: Driving car transportation

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

Try: Sleep is a critical part of Care recipient (cr) health as people age they often experience changes in sleeping patterns however problems with sleep such as waking up tired every day or other symptoms of insomnia are not a normal part of aging sleep is just as important to physical and emotional health in the cr’s older years as it was when she was younger poor sleep habits lack of exercise unhealthy diet untreated sleep disorders and other medical problems can all contribute to sleeplessness in crs to help with sleep issues it’s important to understand the causes of the cr’s sleep problems and help make the necessary lifestyle changes no matter what your age sleeping well is essential to your physical health and emotional well-being for older crs a good night’s sleep is important because it helps improve concentration and memory formation older crs who don’t sleep well are more likely to suffer from depression attention and memory problems and excessive daytime sleepiness they’re also likely to have other health problems such as more nighttime falls increased sensitivity to pain and more prescription or over-the-counter sleep aids insufficient sleep can also lead to many serious health problems in older crs including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease diabetes weight problems and breast cancer in women information references helpguide org

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Categories: Behavior Challenging, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical

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Keywords: Sleep rest

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed