Helping Seniors Through The Holiday Blues

The holidays offer many opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends. If you are a caregiver or family member of an aging loved one, you may observe a change in their mood or behavior during this time. You may notice unusual signs of fatigue or sadness or perhaps limited interest in the holiday season.

The winter holiday season (and the colder months which accompany it) can intensify feelings of sadness which aging seniors often experience. Most often it is not the holiday itself that cause these types of emotions among the elderly, rather the fact that the holidays tend to bring memories of earlier, perhaps happier times.

Depression in seniors can be caused by the following:

• Loss of a spouse or loved one
• Memory loss
• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Minor or serous medical problem
• Chronic pain or complications of an illness
• A move to a care facility
• Change in routine
• General frustrations with aging

Symptoms to look for include:

• Depressed or irritable mood
• Obsessive thoughts about death and suicide
• Lack of attention to personal care and hygiene
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Feelings of worthlessness or sadness
• Loss of appetite
• Irresponsible behavior
• Expressions of helplessness
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Weight loss

Once the cause of depression is identified by a healthcare professional, a treatment program should be implemented. Treatment may be as simple as relieving loneliness through visitations, outings and involvement in family activities. In more severe cases antidepressant drugs have been known to improve the quality of life in depressed elderly people. Cognitive therapy sessions with a counselor may also be effective. If you or your family need help managing the care of your loved one, contact the professionals at Masters In Home Care for a comprehensive consultation.