How to Recognize if Your Loved One is Battling Depression

While depression is a common issue among people at any age, it is the most common among seniors because they suffer from many unique challenges and changes, from losing control of their body to grieving over the loss of friends and loved ones.

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs that your loved one is suffering from depression is important to help them cope with it. Depression isn’t an incurable disease, as long as you know what to look for in your loved ones. These are some of the red flags associated with depression in seniors.

• Unexplained or aggravated aches and pain
• Loss of interest in socializing or hobbies
• Weight loss
• Feeling hopeless or helpless
• No motivation or energy
• Sleeping issues (too little sleep, or sleeping too much)
• Thoughts of suicide
• Increased use of drugs or alcohol
• Skipping meals or loss of appetite
• Forgetting to take medications
• Neglecting personal hygiene

Of course, some of these may be side effects to medications or other ailments. But if your loved one is showing multiple of these signs or is worrying you, you should seek help for them.

Let Comfort Keepers® Lend a Helping Hand

At Comfort Keepers, we understand that you can’t be there for your aging loved ones at all times of the day. That is where we come in. Our compassionate, professional in-home caregivers can help your loved ones stick to a daily routine and cope with depression. From companionship to meal preparation, our Comfort Keepers® can provide your loved ones with the essentials to live a healthy, happy, and independent life from the comfort of their own home.

For more information regarding our in home care services, contact your local Comfort Keepers office today.