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Depression in the elderly
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Age Uk are very helpful
Befriending services
Day centres
Depends on what’s available in your area
Talking books if reading is difficult
I know some elderly people who really like having Alexa to talk to!
Hard to know what may help without more info
Hope it gets better XX |
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Thanks for your responses so far.
Loneliness isn't a problem, the person is very social and belongs to various clubs etc. Ill health isn't a problem either.
There's a huge resistance to any help and a refusal to take any helpful action |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Going out during the day.
Conversing with people and being social. Pub quizzes are great.
A hobby that involves others and preferably again outside during daylight.
Diet and fruits.
Music
Art
Physical activity. Walk or swimming if possible |
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My Grandad had it when he lost his soul mate. They were the imperfect perfect couple and when Grandma went his world went with it.
He was prescribed anti depressants but the pain never left him. I tried my best to give him company and take him out to change his scenery but it is with great shame that I feel I never done enough. Before he left this world to be reunited somehow.
Changing their scenery and company is all I can suggest. Sorry to hear this op. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Thanks for your responses so far.
Loneliness isn't a problem, the person is very social and belongs to various clubs etc. Ill health isn't a problem either.
There's a huge resistance to any help and a refusal to take any helpful action "
You can request a mental health referral anyway and the team will make efforts to come and introduce themselves and get to know the person and discuss what they can offer.
The mainstay of depression treatment is
Medication
Psychology
Increased activity
Increased socialisation
Addressing stressors - pain, health, financial, wherever possible
It’s very difficult to help someone who doesn’t want help xx |
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"Thanks for your responses so far.
Loneliness isn't a problem, the person is very social and belongs to various clubs etc. Ill health isn't a problem either.
There's a huge resistance to any help and a refusal to take any helpful action
You can request a mental health referral anyway and the team will make efforts to come and introduce themselves and get to know the person and discuss what they can offer.
The mainstay of depression treatment is
Medication
Psychology
Increased activity
Increased socialisation
Addressing stressors - pain, health, financial, wherever possible
It’s very difficult to help someone who doesn’t want help xx"
You're right about that!
Thanks for your suggestions |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Do you know why they are depressed?
there isn't a specific reason apart from being very elderly and all that goes with that
So very difficult   "
The last face was an accident  |
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"does anyone have any experience with this and how to help someone suffering?
Suggesting professional help isn't an option"
Family visits are sometimes what the elderly love and look forward to meeting grandchildren etc
Play Cupid with another elderly person  |
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"does anyone have any experience with this and how to help someone suffering?
Suggesting professional help isn't an option
Family visits are sometimes what the elderly love and look forward to meeting grandchildren etc
Play Cupid with another elderly person "
I doubt their partner would be too happy about that |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Do you know why they are depressed?
there isn't a specific reason apart from being very elderly and all that goes with that
So very difficult
yeah. I'm sure we'll work through it "
Are they physically capable of exercise? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Depends whether it is simply low mood or something diagnosed like clinical depression..
Low mood can be helped with self help techniques
Actually depression will need some medical help whether counselling or medication |
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"Do you know why they are depressed?
there isn't a specific reason apart from being very elderly and all that goes with that
So very difficult
yeah. I'm sure we'll work through it
Are they physically capable of exercise? "
yes. They go out every day and walk as much as they're able.
I think sometimes depression hits and there's no specific reason. I think that's happened here |
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By *inful xWoman
over a year ago
In a sleepy little village |
Many things can help depression but it also depends on the person realizing they are actually suffering and wanting to help themself.
Main things for self help are staying active and participating in regular exercise. Eating a well balanced diet and getting plenty of fresh air. Keeping busy , maybe taking up a new hobbie or joining a new club. Trying to do something that makes you happy everyday 
There are some great sites that offer support and advise either online or via telephone. |
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"does anyone have any experience with this and how to help someone suffering?
Suggesting professional help isn't an option
Family visits are sometimes what the elderly love and look forward to meeting grandchildren etc
Play Cupid with another elderly person
I doubt their partner would be too happy about that"
Is it their partner that's making them depressed ?
I think I'll stop helping now  lol |
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"does anyone have any experience with this and how to help someone suffering?
Suggesting professional help isn't an option
Family visits are sometimes what the elderly love and look forward to meeting grandchildren etc
Play Cupid with another elderly person
I doubt their partner would be too happy about that
Is it their partner that's making them depressed ?
I think I'll stop helping now lol"
yes I think that might be a good idea  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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With my work i come across this often...i usually ask then to tell me something good about their day or sometimes be positive and help them think about all the things they are still able to do,i have a lady of 97 that gets down and frustrated with things and this approach worked with her,she's often much brighter than before.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Have they been depressed in the past or only since they are elderly?
Is it affecting their partner?
Why do you want to improve things for the depressed person? (Could they be depressed but not want to change.) |
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"Have they been depressed in the past or only since they are elderly?
Is it affecting their partner?
Why do you want to improve things for the depressed person? (Could they be depressed but not want to change.)"
yes they've been depressed before but not to this extent. It is affecting their partner.
I want to improve things because I love them and don't want to see them like this. |
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"does anyone have any experience with this and how to help someone suffering?
Suggesting professional help isn't an option
Family visits are sometimes what the elderly love and look forward to meeting grandchildren etc
Play Cupid with another elderly person
I doubt their partner would be too happy about that
Is it their partner that's making them depressed ?
I think I'll stop helping now lol
yes I think that might be a good idea "
Introduce them to fab ?
I'll get my coat now x |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Have they been depressed in the past or only since they are elderly?
Is it affecting their partner?
Why do you want to improve things for the depressed person? (Could they be depressed but not want to change.)
yes they've been depressed before but not to this extent. It is affecting their partner.
I want to improve things because I love them and don't want to see them like this. "
How did they overcome the depression in the past? Can this be tried again?
Sorry, not suggesting that you or their partner doesn't love them.
Could it be external issues rather than internal. As in it's affecting the partner who tries to cheer them up but they really just want to be left alone to wallow.
Could the answer be to keep the partner busy, so allowing the depressed person some time alone. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Have they been depressed in the past or only since they are elderly?
Is it affecting their partner?
Why do you want to improve things for the depressed person? (Could they be depressed but not want to change.)
yes they've been depressed before but not to this extent. It is affecting their partner.
I want to improve things because I love them and don't want to see them like this.
How did they overcome the depression in the past? Can this be tried again?
Sorry, not suggesting that you or their partner doesn't love them.
Could it be external issues rather than internal. As in it's affecting the partner who tries to cheer them up but they really just want to be left alone to wallow.
Could the answer be to keep the partner busy, so allowing the depressed person some time alone."
What lovely ideas! Going to write those down! |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Have they been depressed in the past or only since they are elderly?
Is it affecting their partner?
Why do you want to improve things for the depressed person? (Could they be depressed but not want to change.)
yes they've been depressed before but not to this extent. It is affecting their partner.
I want to improve things because I love them and don't want to see them like this.
How did they overcome the depression in the past? Can this be tried again?
Sorry, not suggesting that you or their partner doesn't love them.
Could it be external issues rather than internal. As in it's affecting the partner who tries to cheer them up but they really just want to be left alone to wallow.
Could the answer be to keep the partner busy, so allowing the depressed person some time alone.
What lovely ideas! Going to write those down! "
Is that sarcasm? |
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"Have they been depressed in the past or only since they are elderly?
Is it affecting their partner?
Why do you want to improve things for the depressed person? (Could they be depressed but not want to change.)
yes they've been depressed before but not to this extent. It is affecting their partner.
I want to improve things because I love them and don't want to see them like this.
How did they overcome the depression in the past? Can this be tried again?
Sorry, not suggesting that you or their partner doesn't love them.
Could it be external issues rather than internal. As in it's affecting the partner who tries to cheer them up but they really just want to be left alone to wallow.
Could the answer be to keep the partner busy, so allowing the depressed person some time alone."
all worth thinking about thanks |
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"It might be worth looking at physical reasons.
Low Vit D is associated with poor mental health as is a wonky gut microbiome and statins. "
I have thought about Vit D. I think I'll suggest that. Thanks |
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By *epsonWoman
over a year ago
Biddulph |
"It might be worth looking at physical reasons.
Low Vit D is associated with poor mental health as is a wonky gut microbiome and statins.
I have thought about Vit D. I think I'll suggest that. Thanks"
Would they consider a herbal treatment ? St John's Wort at the recommend daily recommendation ? You could ask a pharmacist if it is contraindicated with any medicines they are on. Sometimes if you say it is herbal, it sounds less clinical. |
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By *rufinWoman
over a year ago
notts |
"It might be worth looking at physical reasons.
Low Vit D is associated with poor mental health as is a wonky gut microbiome and statins.
I have thought about Vit D. I think I'll suggest that. Thanks"
It's worth a quick blood test as there are a few deficiencies that become more common as we age, are easily treated, and cause depression-like symptoms. |
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By *a LunaWoman
over a year ago
o o OO o o |
We have a few clients who have this. Some it’s been a lifelong illness, but quite often it’s come on because of illness or a side effect of medication they are on for said illness.
They may have lost a few close friends and they essentially fear the future and what it may do to close family. Being frustrated at not being able to do what they used to do (this used to really piss off my Grampy), and they feel angry and useless at themselves.
And, obviously this would need to be looked into by a medical professional, but it’s worth noting that Depression and Dementia have a lot of similar symptoms. Something to keep in mind in the very elderly.
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"We have a few clients who have this. Some it’s been a lifelong illness, but quite often it’s come on because of illness or a side effect of medication they are on for said illness.
They may have lost a few close friends and they essentially fear the future and what it may do to close family. Being frustrated at not being able to do what they used to do (this used to really piss off my Grampy), and they feel angry and useless at themselves.
And, obviously this would need to be looked into by a medical professional, but it’s worth noting that Depression and Dementia have a lot of similar symptoms. Something to keep in mind in the very elderly.
"
Thank you.
What you've said makes a lot of sense |
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