Depression affects people of all ages, and seniors are no exception. In fact, seniors may be particularly susceptible to depression due to feelings of isolation and losing loved ones.

Many things can cause depression, and one of the top items on that list is dealing with health issues, especially serious ones, according to www.AgingCare.com. Seniors are often fighting cancer, heart disease, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, and more.

Adding to the complexity of helping seniors with depression, is that the symptoms of depression may be not be as clear for the senior community as they are with members of younger generations. This is because many of the common-known causes of depression are also stereotypical common traits of seniors, such as grumpiness, being tired, having memory issues, or being confused. But the truth is that depression is not a normal part of the aging process. However, the National Institute of Mental Health states that depression in people over the age of 65 has become a major public health issue.  Luckily, just like people in other age groups, depression among the elderly can be treated with therapy and medication.

When caring for seniors, there are particular signs of depression you can be on the lookout for. These include: feelings of hopelessness or severe negativity, decreased energy/fatigue, suicide thoughts or attempts, changes in appetite, feelings of sadness, changes in sleeping patterns, and loss of interest in activities or hobbies.

If you notice these symptoms in a senior in your care, there are things you can do to help. Initiate a conversation and listen to them speak. Encourage them to seek help. Reassure them that there is help available.

The professional staff at The Nurses Guild has extensive experience in these situations.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask us how we can help you and your senior.

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In fact, according to Everyday Health, arthritis is most likely the #1 condition people who are 65 and older suffer from. The Center for Disease Control notes that almost 50 percent of seniors suffer from arthritis so severely that is lowers their quality of life. Arthritis can affect the joints in most parts of the body, including the hands, feet, hips, and especially knees.

The types of arthritis seniors are most plagued with include: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout. If you notice your patients have lasting joint pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness, tenderness or pain when touching a joint, problems using or moving a joint normally, or warmth and redness in a joint, it is likely arthritis is the culprit.

So how can you help ease the symptoms of seniors suffering from arthritis?

1. Make sure the patient is getting sufficient rest.
2. Light exercise or stretching can help lessen symptoms of arthritis. The best exercises for seniors with arthritis, according to A Place for Mom, Inc., include: range-of-motion exercises, aerobic exercises, endurance exercises, and strengthening exercises. As a caregiver, it is important to remember that the less time a person with arthritis is moving, the more severe their symptoms will become.
3. Eating a health, well-balanced diet is also key to help keep symptoms in check.
4. If they need help walking due to their arthritis flare-ups, be sure they have a cane and/or proper walking shoes. According to com, the best footwear for seniors suffering from arthritis are shoes that are softly cushioned, offer adequate support, have a wider toe box, and can be adjusted when needed.
5. Weight control can also help lessen arthritis symptoms. Excess weight puts more pressure on joints, which in turn causes more pain.
6. Try applying heat or cold to the patient’s joints, but make sure to test which works best for your senior. Remember that while cold may work better for one patient, heat may work better for another. A heating pad is suggested for the patient before they even get out of bed in the morning, as most seniors who suffer from arthritis experience morning stiffness, usually eased by heat. Cold therapy is best for those with inflamed joints, as cold is a natural anti-inflammatory.
7. Relaxation and/or meditation techniques may also prove helpful.

If you notice symptoms getting worse, or if your patient has a fever, or joint swelling, make sure they are seen by a doctor.

The professional staff at Nurses Guild has years of experience when it comes to helping our patients manage their arthritis.  If you feel you need help, please don’t hesitate to give us a call and see how we can help you and your senior.

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Intergenerational programs, where young children and senior citizens interact, are a wonderful way to help enhance the quality of life for seniors. For instance, the Intergenerational Learning Center in Seattle, WA is both a nursing home and a childcare facility. Children from infancy to five years of age spend time with the elderly, doing activities together that enhance everyone’s lives. Even without a facility to work with, consider bringing together your aging loved one with a preschool-aged child.

So how can hanging out with preschoolers help the elderly?

Increased self-worth. Having little kids around can foster nurturing feelings, giving an older person the opportunity to feel needed. When so much has to be done for them, it can be uplifting to be able to take care of someone else.

Children love to play! Rather than spending all day watching television or being talked to by nurses, seniors can benefit because children have an innate need to play. The elderly can sing, dance, laugh, play games, or just watch the kids as they engage in fun activities.

Movement is key. Most little kids can’t seem to sit still. Even though some retirees may have mobility issues, having always-on children around might just get them moving too. And physical activity gives a boost to emotional health as well.

Teaching and sharing. Senior citizens have so much information to share. Getting the chance to teach someone can be therapeutic. Little kids are the perfect subjects for teaching – if they can sit still long enough to listen.

Eliminating boredom. Isolation inevitably leads to boredom. Hanging out with preschoolers can give the elderly something to do. Whether through structured activities or unplanned free-for-alls, introducing little kids to seniors is bound to be exciting.

Think about asking your caregiver to introduce a preschooler or two to your loved one. You might be amazed at how much they enjoy each other.

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