What To Do For An Elderly Depressed Individual?
Treatment for depression in someone who is elderly is pretty much the same as the treatment plan for anyone else diagnosed with depression. The treatment plan is devised after a medical doctor specializing in mental illness has evaluated the individual and possibly has either done the physical exam or ordered a physical exam if necessary.
Once the signs and symptoms of depression are detected in an elderly individual an evaluation and treatment plan can begin. Unfortunately it is assumed by many that the elderly have much to be depressed about and that it is normal for them to be depressed. This simply is not true, no one, no matter the age deserves to live in the state of depression. Depression is not something that a person does to themselves, nor is saying or doing things as a result of your depression a crime. Individuals who are depressed, no matter how old they are should be given the same opportunity to be comforted and treated for their depression. Treatment can alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness which elderly individuals are more prone to feeling when others chose to get involved and make a difference in the life of someone who is advanced in age.
Treatment for depression in someone who is elderly is pretty much the same as the treatment plan for anyone else diagnosed with depression. The treatment plan is devised after a medical doctor specializing in mental illness has evaluated the individual and possibly has either done the physical exam or ordered a physical exam if necessary. Treatment will consist of therapy, medication or both depending on the symptoms and severity of the depression. Social interventions can assist in lessening the fears associated with isolation and the feelings of loneliness. A support system is vital and often missing in those of advanced age. Therapy and other medical support interventions as needed to treat chronic illness associated with the depression, and antidepressant drug therapy can all be a part of the treatment plan.
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Treating The Elderly For Depression
There are many treatment choices that the depressed elderly person and their doctor can consider. Doctors should stay up to date on the latest information concerning depression and the elderly.
Depression Treatment
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Social Interventions:
Lonliness is a major contributing factor for the elderly who are depressed. Communities often have senior centers that offer activities, and a chance for seniors to be with other seniors in social interactions that can decrease the feelings of isolation and loneliness. Communities also offer organizations like bridge clubs or gardening clubs that caregivers can suggest to the elderly to join. Many retirement communities address this issue with scheduled outings like concerts, golf trips, shopping trips etc. to help care for the social needs of the elderly.
Support System:
The depressed elderly individual needs a support system in place to address the various needs both physical and emotional including health care (getting to and from appt., included), daily living tasks like meals, laundry, shopping, housework, lawn care, pet care etc., that can be challenging and upsetting to someone who is faced with limited mobility or decreased physical function. As we age the family support often disappears as children become adults and move away, or adult friends and spouses die it can be difficult for an elderly person to replace these individuals in their life and often times they do not seek other human contact when loss occurs.
The community may offer support services like meals on wheels, social activities, counseling etc., but often it is left up to the elderly to seek out these services and when they are depressed it is not likely that they will do this. In cases where depression is present it is up to caring individuals, physicians or other healthcare staff to recognize the need and to suggest support systems for the individual who is depressed.
Therapy and Medical Support:
The elderly person’s physician can evaluate and suggest proper psychological care, appropriate therapy, and medication as needed. Alternative therapy such as massage therapy can also be beneficial. Current Facts About Elderly Depression
11/20/2008
Austrian Death Machine Christmas release (Kerrang.com)
Austrian Death Machine - the Arnie-inspired side-project of As I Lay Dying frontman Tim L - have announced a Christmas release.
Austrian Death Machine Christmas release (Kerrang.com)
11/19/2008
Ian Rogers On The Death Of The Music CD Business: “I Don’t Care.” (TechCrunch)
We've written a lot about the death of the recorded music business , but in a keynote address to a music industry conference a couple weeks ago Topspin CEO Ian Rogers sketches out a different future. Rogers, the former head of Yahoo Music , correctly points out, as others have before him, that it is not the music industry that is dying. It is the CD business. And as far as the CD ...
Ian Rogers On The Death Of The Music CD Business: “I Don’t Care.” (TechCrunch)
11/19/2008
Ian Rogers On The Death Of The Music CD Business: “I Don’t Care.” (TechCrunch)
We've written a lot about the death of the recorded music business , but in a keynote address to a music industry conference a couple weeks ago Topspin CEO Ian Rogers sketches out a different future. Rogers, the former head of Yahoo Music , correctly points out, as others have before him, that it is not the music industry that is dying. It is the CD business. And as far as the CD ...
Ian Rogers On The Death Of The Music CD Business: “I Don’t Care.” (TechCrunch)
11/19/2008
Theatrical Outfit takes on the death penalty in A Lesson Before Dying (Creative Loafing Atlanta)
By Curt Holman Theatrical Outfit's production of A Lesson Before Dying initially resembles a study in dated theatricality. Romulus Linney's death-penalty drama, set in Louisiana in 1948, feels like the kind of clunky, midcentury social-issues play that spells out and repeats its themes in the most blatant possible terms. It's kind of a shock to remember that Ernest J. Gaines published the ...
Theatrical Outfit takes on the death penalty in A Lesson Before Dying (Creative Loafing Atlanta)
11/18/2008
North Chicago man: dying a slow death (Lake County News-Sun)
Eugene Phelps believes he is dying a slow death. The 57-year-old North Chicago man is partially paralyzed, has diabetes and heart disease. However, he says those illnesses are not what's killing him. Phelps blames the Illinois Department of Health and Human Services, which he said has been giving him the runaround the past four years about cleaning toxic mold in his home. "I don't understand why ...
North Chicago man: dying a slow death (Lake County News-Sun)
11/20/2008
CNN - WWII Soldier Learns Of Brother's Death Camp Hell (WSMV Nashville)
Bernard Vogel Was A U.S. Soldier Who Died In A Nazi Slave Camp During World War II. For 63 Years, His Brother, Martin, Longed For Answers. With The Help Of CNN, He Finally Has The Truth. "You Don't Know How Much This Means," He Said Between Sobs. Martin Would Learn Another Stunning Detail: The Government Commuted The Death Sentences Of Those Responsible.
CNN - WWII Soldier Learns Of Brother's Death Camp Hell (WSMV Nashville)
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