How Do You Assess Depression In The Elderly?
Whether it’s a friend, a neighbor or a relative, you may know an elderly person suffering from depression. There are many different causes for depression in seniors. Grief, their changing social role, physical decline and a sense of purposelessness can all contribute to elder depression. However, no matter what the reason, elder depression has clear signs. Through close observation, you can tell if someone you care about is in need of counseling for depression. Know the signs of depression. Read up on depression and its symptoms. They are the same in the old as in the young. Web sites like MayoClinic.com and WebMD provide the basic parameters of depression. Acquaint yourself with signs of depression before going any further. Talk to them. Ask them how they’re feeling. Ask them how they’re spending their time. Make sure they’re eating properly and not abusing drugs or alcohol. It’s common for the elderly to feel like a burden to others. They may be evasive in their answers. They may tal
