Elder Care in San Francisco CA
Each year more than 7 million people over the age of 65 experience depression. This mental disorder is so predominant among elderly adults for several reasons, including the fact that 80 percent of seniors experience at least one serious chronic health complication, and approximately 50 percent suffer from more than one condition. The risk of depression increases dramatically the more pressing a person’s health complications, meaning that those who are dealing with conditions with serious prognoses or that bring with them major functional decline are at particularly high risk of suffering from depression. Finding ways that you can help your parent manage their depression is an important step in protecting your loved one from serious consequences.
Try these ways that you can help your parent manage their depression:
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Elder Care in San Francisco: 5 Ways You Can Help Your Parent Manage Their Depression Start elder care for them. Some people are under the impression that elder care is only for those seniors who are suffering from serious medical issues and physical challenges and problems. This, however, is not the case. An elderly home care services provider can make a tremendous difference in the life of a senior who is dealing with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. This care provider will create a personalized approach designed to address their individual needs in a way that is right for their personality and goals
- Encourage their independence. One leading cause of depression among elderly adults is feeling as though they no longer have control over their own life. These are people who are accustomed to taking care of themselves and their families, and handling everything that needs to be handled independently. As they get older, however, they may find that doing this is more challenging. Encouraging your parent to handle more of their tasks on their own rather than immediately stepping in and doing them for them can help them to preserve their mental and emotional health, and maintain a greater sense of relevance throughout their later years
- Keep them active. Inactivity can quickly develop into depression. Staying physically active is one of the most important things that your parent can do to protect their overall health and wellbeing, and can make a tremendous difference in their mental and emotional health. Talk to their doctor about exercise options that would work for them according to their individual needs and challenges, and work with your loved one to keep them moving as much as possible as they age in place. Remember that exercise does not have to mean boring weight lifting or the same old walking routine. Dancing, gardening, swimming, and other fun recreational activities are just as effective
- Boost their socialization. Loneliness and isolation are leading causes of depression among older adults. It is very common for a senior adult to experience these feelings due to the loss of friends and family members, no longer driving, and other issues. Getting them out into the world and encouraging them to get more social interaction will help to keep your parent’s mental and emotional health high, and support better cognitive health throughout their later years as well
- Help them manage their health. Serious medical conditions can contribute to depression in elderly adults. This is especially true if these conditions have a severe prognosis. By encouraging your parent to remain compliant with their doctor’s treatment and care guidelines, and doing everything that they can to support their health, they can make the most of their life even with their condition and avoid the slide into depression that often happens when they feel out of control.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring in-home elder care in San Francisco CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call: 1.415.795.2203
Sources:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs381/en/
http://www.cdc.gov/aging/mentalhealth/depression.htm
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