Depression can affect people at different stages in their lives, and many elderly people find themselves struggling. Getting older brings new and often unique life changes that can impact mental health, creating feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression. Poor mental health can also negatively impact physical health, leading to an overall lower quality of life. So, it’s essential to keep an eye out for signs that may indicate an elderly loved one is struggling with depression and take the necessary steps to help them through this difficult time.

 

In this blog, we have explored some of the different factors that could contribute to depression in elderly people and the signs that they may be experiencing depression, as well as some solutions that could be implemented to help improve their mental health.

 

Factors That Could Lead to Depression in Elderly People 

 

There isn’t one specific cause of depression, and it can be different for everyone. For elderly people, various factors can impact their mental wellbeing. 

 

Firstly, new health conditions or existing ones exacerbated by age can create physical discomfort, interfere with routines and hobbies, and take an emotional toll. Chronic conditions in particular, that see little reprieve, can create feelings of sadness, frustration and fear. Secondly, getting older means that elderly loved ones may be experiencing the loss of friends, family and spouses, the grief of which can manifest into depression.

 

Thirdly, isolation. If a loved one is struggling with health or mobility and can no longer get themselves out of the house, loneliness and isolation can emerge from losing social engagements and relationships, which can evolve into depression. Finally, some medications may cause elderly people to experience depressive symptoms.

 

Signs Your Elderly Loved One May be depressed

 

It’s important to keep an eye out for signs that may indicate your loved one is struggling with depression, as some elderly people may not realise that they are depressed. Recognising depression means that measures can be taken to help tackle it and improve mental wellbeing.

 

• Withdrawing from social activities that are typically enjoyed, such as meeting with friends and family or participating in hobbies.

 

• Losing or gaining a significant amount of weight could indicate a loss of appetite or overeating, which can be common symptoms of depression.

 

• Expressing hopelessness, worthlessness and feeling like a burden.

 

• Unexplained aches and pains could be depression manifesting physically.

 

• Sleep disturbances, whether it’s insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping), could emerge due to depression.

 

These are just some examples of signs to look out for, depression can display as a broad range of symptoms.

 

Ways to Combat Elderly Depression

 

If you believe an elderly family member is exhibiting signs of depression, it’s essential to address it and look for ways to help them.

 

• Seeking professional help is an ideal first step. Professionals can provide therapy to help seniors find coping mechanisms and better understand their mental health. Professionals may also be able to prescribe medication, which could provide elderly people with the help they need.

 

• Encouraging physical activity can help to improve a person’s mood as it contributes to the release of endorphins. Physical activity doesn’t have to be high intensity to make a difference; whether it’s a gentle walk, swim or chair yoga, getting moving can positively impact mental health. Getting some physical support can help seniors introduce exercise into their daily routines more easily.

 

• A healthy diet can also help with mental health. Ensuring that seniors are eating the right portion size and getting the correct nutrients helps keep their bodies healthy, and things like vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids can also help with brain function.

 

• Keeping daily routines in place can help elderly people who may struggle with feelings of aimlessness. Having things to do at certain times can keep elderly people busy and encourage a sense of purpose. If extra help is needed to complete tasks at home, arranging care at home could be an ideal solution.

 

• It’s vital to have a strong support system. If elderly people have friends, family and professionals they trust around them, they can feel more comfortable expressing their feelings, having open conversations and generally just spending time together, providing crucial social interaction.

 

Asking for Help 

 

Lots of elderly people will find it difficult to ask for help, especially if they are suffering from mental health issues. Whether it’s to do with pride, fear of losing independence, the worry of feeling like a burden or embarrassed, or simply not recognising the need for help, there are many reasons why elderly people may choose to avoid asking for assistance. 

 

In many cases, elderly people living alone may require physical or mental assistance. If family members cannot provide this support regularly, professional home care services could be the solution. Here we have looked into some of the reasons that may cause elderly people to avoid asking for help and the effects of doing so.

 

Why Elderly Individuals Might Struggle to Ask for Help

 

Everyone is different, and the reasons elderly individuals may choose not to ask for help can vary depending on their circumstances.

 

• Lack of Awareness or Denial – Asking for help can be difficult when someone doesn’t recognise that they need help in the first place or is denying that they do. Some elderly people may not wish to face the reality of their new circumstances, while some may downplay their needs to convince themselves they don’t need to ask for help.

 

• Fear of Losing Independence – The idea of accepting help may cause some elderly people to feel as though they are losing their independence and control over their lives. This can be daunting, causing some seniors to cling to the idea of not needing or wanting help, which can impact their safety and health.

 

• Feeling Like a Burden – Having to depend on other people can lead elderly people to feel like a burden. The idea of relying on friends and family, in particular, can feel embarrassing and may cause them to refuse to ask for any help whatsoever.

 

• Cultural and Generational Reasons – Generational and cultural factors can also have an impact. Elderly people may have grown up in a time when self-reliance was valued, and asking for help may be seen as a weakness. By asking for help, it may feel like failing to uphold these values.

 

The Effects of Avoiding Help

 

One of the biggest impacts of not asking for help is declining mental health. By attempting to handle everything on their own, elderly people will face new challenges all by themselves, leading to loneliness and isolation, which can cause anxiety and depression. Other consequences of not reaching out for help when it’s needed include: 

 

• Increased Safety Risks – Without the necessary physical support, elderly people may find themselves at a greater risk of falls and other accidents around the house

 

• Worsening Physical Health – If elderly people are missing medical appointments and not following their medicine schedules or eating nutritionally balanced meals, they risk worsening their health. 

 

• Strained Relationships – Not asking for help can also put a strain on relationships; family and friends may find themselves becoming frustrated with their loved one not reaching out to them. If elderly people are also withdrawing and isolating themselves, they are losing quality time with important people in their lives.

Ways to Encourage Loved Ones to Ask for Help

 

While we know elderly people must ask for help, it’s also clear that it can be hard to admit. This is why it’s essential to encourage your loved ones to reach out in the right way. 

 

• Early, Honest and Inclusive Conversations – Being able to have a conversation about asking for help in the early stages, rather than later when the need for care is much more urgent, allows elderly people to come to terms with the idea. Including loved ones in the conversation helps them to feel valued and understand that their independence and autonomy are respected.

 

• Normalise Asking for Help – Help elderly loved ones to see that asking for help is normal at any stage of life. This allows them to understand that receiving help is practical and beneficial rather than a sign of weakness. 

 

• Understand Needs and Priorities – It’s important to remember that your loved ones are individuals, so taking the time to understand the current needs they have and their priorities is helpful for finding the most suitable care solution. 

 

• Share the Benefits – Take the time to share the benefits of asking for help and receiving care at home. This gives elderly people something to focus on and offers a more positive outlook on the whole situation. 

 

Learn More About Elderly Care in Altrincham

 

A professional care team can be instrumental in helping elderly people who are struggling with depression, not only providing physical support like personal care and domestic care but also offering vital companionship and social support. If you have an elderly loved one who could benefit from extra help at home, whether or not they’re willing to ask for help yet, Beloved Homecare is the place to turn to. 

 

We are experienced home care providers in Altrincham, offering high-quality home care services that can be tailored to your loved one’s specific needs. We are incredibly proud of our ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission, and we are committed to always providing outstanding care to our clients and their families. 

 

Our carers offer the physical and mental support elderly people require while continuing to live in the comfort of their own homes. Whether your loved one needs 24-hour care, a few visits a week, or more specialised care, such as disability home care or dementia care, we can provide bespoke services. Contact our team to learn more about how we can support elderly individuals suffering from depression or help you to convince your loved one that receiving care at home services in Altrincham is the best option for them.