Lifting Spirits
Question: My elderly father has recently moved to a nursing facility after suffering a series of strokes. Mom has decided to stay at home, and can manage O.K. physically on her own. My concern is that she seems to have lost her self-confidence and is not engaging in any social activity-my parents used to do almost everything together. I’m now worried about her falling into depression and so have made an appointment to accompany her to visit her family doctor. What other practical support can I provide to help lift her spirits?
Answer: Sometimes there is no prevention for depression, but many studies show that social support is critical. How to weave that social safety net?
In the case of your mother, you might help her become aware of the community programs available in your area that may provide her with frequent human contact. Engaging in recreational or support programs is a great way to develop relationships of trust, hopefully before she really needs them most.
Following are a few techniques that a caregiver can use to help a depressed client or loved one:
- Encourage them to begin an exercise program consistent with their abilities and approved by their doctor.
- Cultivate their interest in the hobbies they enjoy or introduce them to new ones.
- Help organize a coffee party or luncheon for neighbours and friends.
- Encourage discussions on topics that seem to spark an interest or that make them feel good about themselves.
Depression is a common occurrence in our aging population. Although Canadians are generally living longer and healthier lives, many suffer from significant mental health problems. Some come to old age with chronic illness, but most problems develop into old age. According to recent filings to B.C.’s Mental Health Journal, the risk factors (medical illness, social losses) are part of the common experience of advancing age. In fact because significant life changes are so common and expected with seniors, we tend to overlook these changes as triggers for depression. Most young adults do not experience such dramatic change in such a short period of time as do the elderly. These changes include:
- Bereavement- Loss of spouse, siblings, friends.
- Health- Chronic pain, loss of mobility, sight/hearing impairment.
- Moving- Loss of privacy, loss of familiar surroundings and social contacts.
- Retirement- Loss of purpose and income.
Clearly, depression is a major health concern in the elderly. For seniors that find themselves unconnected to a social network, dealing with significant life changes is difficult to endure. Helping them with information on, and access to, community resources, can make a huge difference.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered as a recommendation for a specific course of action.
