When it comes to choosing the right path, you have to think about a few things. Here are some considerations to help you determine whether this is an option and if it is the right one for your loved one:

-What do they want? This is the most important element in the entire conversation. Obviously, if a physical or mental impairment impedes your loved one’s ability to make the proper decision or stay on their own, you will have to keep that in mind. However, in most cases, your parent or loved one will understand their situation and be capable of choosing the option that they would most prefer.

-What is keeping them from living independently? Many like the sense of community and the environment of assisted living. It is an appealing situation, after all. People can enjoy socializing, hobbies, and traveling while their basic needs are taken care of by the staff. If your parents are feeling isolated, this can often be the best solution.

-Is living with you an option? For many reasons, children often don’t want to give up their independence. At the same time, many parents balk at the idea of becoming the child by moving in with their own children. Assisted living provides the interaction, community, and assistance that your parents need without compromising anyone’s independence or putting a strain on your relationship.

You really need to weigh the options and see what is best for your parent or loved one. For some people, it’s a question with an easy answer. For others, it might take some time to consider the benefits of each situation and discuss which is truly best. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the circumstances of your parent. There are some situations where assisted living is not an option, but this is rarely the case. For the most part, many older adults enjoy the assisted living environment because it gives them socialization and the freedom to enjoy their retirement while all the basics are taken care of for them.

Contributed by Mary Albert, a blogger for a senior lifestyle and senior health web site that provides advice for the 55+ age group as well as information on medical alert systems.

Depression in the elderly is becoming an increasing problem in the United States. According to the National Institute of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 or older, 5 million suffer from varied forms of depression, while at least 2 million have severe depression.

Many people are not aware the condition exists and others believe that seniors have a reason to be down. It is important that our local communities are educated about this issue and take steps to help decrease the number of those that deserve assisted living who suffer with the illness.

One must recognize the signs and symptoms of depression. They include: fatigue, loss of appetite or weight gain, changes in personality or attitude, loss of self-worth, fixation on death, and social withdrawal or isolation, to name a few. Watch closely for these signs as often times they can be hard to detect if one is not aware of possibility that their loved one has depression.

Several factors can cause depression in the elderly. Loneliness, the recent loss of a loved-one, increased health problems, medications, and the fear of death can all lead to depression. Other depressed seniors may not show signs of sadness, but may become more irritable or anxious. Still, some seniors may just show physical signs of depression including increased physical pain or headaches.

Interestingly enough, the Department of Health and Human Services… Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality states that: “the use of psychotherapy to assist with depression with adult elderly persons is a fraction of younger aged highly educated individuals. Only a minority of elderly with depression receive psychotherapy, despite its widely acknowledged efficacy.”

There are steps one can take to help a depressed senior or to prevent the disease state all together. You can visit the senior often and give them the opportunity to talk about their feelings. Make sure they are eating proper meals and taking their medication as indicated. If you see warning signs of suicide, you will need to call a health professional to assist with this behavior.

Depression is a common ailment that can be prevented and treated. The key is to recognize the warning signs and offer care and assistance when needed.

Trisha Kellogg

Sunshine Gardens Senior Community
www.sgwseniors.com

… feel free to contact me here:
kelloggt@durango.net
970-385-4090