Roughly 13.5% of elders in-home care suffer from depression. Depression is not a normal part of aging, and shouldn’t be treated as such. It is incredibly important to know what signs and symptoms to look out for, as these signs and symptoms can often be overlooked.
Six Signs That Your Loved One Is Suffering From Depression:
Fatigue
Difficulties with sleeping. Either difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, oversleeping, and daytime drowsiness. This goes hand-in-hand with fatigue.
Loss of appetite or weight loss
Lack of interest in social activities and lack of interest in hobbies
Lack of interest in personal care. Neglecting hygiene, missing medications, and skipping meals.
Unexplained physical ailments
Differences Between Dementia & Depression Symptoms
Your loved one may not report feelings of sadness, which is why it’s important to look out for these signs. It can be difficult to discern the difference between dementia and depression as the symptoms can be very similar.
There are, however, ways to distinguish between the two. A loved one with dementia can become confused and disoriented and may even get lost or confuse dates. A loved one with depression may have difficulty concentrating but can still recall the correct date and time.
If they suffer from depression they will most likely not want help or will not ask for help, but if you can recognize the signs and symptoms of depression you can get them the help they need. Contact their nurse or HHA if you recognize any of these signs.