Home Care Providers - Depression Education

Depressive symptoms and undiagnosed major depression are prevalent among older home care patients. Major depressive disorder has been found in 13.5% of elderly home health care patients, in contrast with 6.5% of older primary care patients. 

Treatment of depression enhances self-care, improves compliance with and adherence to medical care, improves treatment outcomes, and reduces the risk of suicide. Unfortunately, neither home care agencies nor office-based psychiatrists have traditionally provided the care needed to diagnose and treat this population. Depression is infrequently recognized among older home care patients, and typically becomes a persistent problem.

Known causes include:

• Health problems – Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease.
• Loneliness and isolation – Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.
• Reduced sense of purpose – Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities.
• Fears – Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues.
• Recent bereavement – The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.

Signs and symptoms of depression in the elderly

Recognizing depression in the elderly starts with knowing the signs and symptoms. Depression red flags include:

Sadness Fatigue Abandoning or losing interest in hobbies or other pleasurable pastimes Social withdrawal and isolation (reluctance to be with friends, engage in activities, or leave home) Weight loss or loss of appetite

Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, oversleeping, or daytime sleepiness) Loss of self-worth (worries about being a burden, feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing) Increased use of alcohol or other drugs Fixation on death; suicidal thoughts or attempts

Tools for your home health or private duty home care agency:

A Depression Education Toolkit

Treatment of Depression in Older Adults Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) KIT

Older Adults: Depression and Suicide Facts (Fact Sheet)

Depression in Older Adults and the Elderly

Depression In the Elderly

 

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