10 Tips for Helping a Depressed Senior Friend or Relative

Submitted by John Detrich on Wed, 11/23/2011 - 20:11

Ten Tips for helping a depressed elderly friend or relative:

1       Invite your loved one out. Depression is less likely when people’s bodies and minds remain active. Suggest activities to do together that your loved one used to enjoy: walks, an art class, a trip to the museum or the movies—anything that provides mental or physical stimulation.

2       Schedule regular social activities. Group outings, visits from friends and family members, or trips to the local senior or community center can help combat isolation and loneliness. Be gently insistent if your plans are refused: depressed people often feel better when they’re around others.

3       Plan and prepare healthy meals. A poor diet can make depression worse, so make sure your loved one is eating right, with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and some protein at every meal.

4       Encourage the person to follow through with treatment. Depression usually recurs when treatment is stopped too soon, so help your loved one keep up with his or her treatment plan. If it isn’t helping, look into other medications and therapies.

5       Make sure all medications are taken as instructed. Remind the person to obey doctor's orders about the use of alcohol while on medication. Help them remember when to take their dose.

6       Watch for suicide warning signs. Seek immediate professional help if you suspect that your loved one is thinking about suicide.

7       Schedule a Care Conference.  If your parent resides in either Retirement Living or Skilled Nursing, where there is a medical staff in place, it is your right to discuss options and ask them to evaluate Mom & Dad

8       Find Companionship in the form of a pet.  Having a steadfast pet to care for not only gives a senior adult company, but provides a sense of purpose and love.

9       Cook traditional family recipes.  Food can stimulate so many happy feelings! 

10    Cards & Letters in the mail make their day!  In this world of fast paced technology, it is rare that we ever think about snail-mailing cards and letters. This small act can mean everything to your senior parent in showing them that they matter to you in your life.