Is it Normal to Feel Bad? Depression in Older Adults

It can start with loss—loss of independence, loss of physical or cognitive abilities or loss of a long-time spouse, friend or family member. Loss is a significant part of getting older—not a fun part—but a real aspect that affects each and every one of us as we travel through this journey called life.

Not all loss results in depression, but in most cases the individual’s mental health is compromised. When it comes to geriatric depression, there are two keys points to consider, whether you are the aging person or a family member or close friend.

The first is that many times depression is concurrent with a medical problem, either in the form of a physical or cognitive loss or due to medication imbalances. When this is the case, always communicate any changes in mental status to your physician. Many times, physicians will then refer the patient to a Mental Health Registered Nurse (MHRN)—an RN who also has in-depth knowledge and experience dealing with the mental and emotional dimensions of health.

Mental health is a phrase that many people still avoid. But the fact is, by not focusing on mental health in tandem with physical health, physical recovery is hindered. This ultimately feeds depression, thus creating a cycle of poor overall health. The will to live is affected. The family becomes more and more worried and stressed about the situation. Everyone’s mental health is affected.

This leads us to the second key point. The older adult affected by depression is typically surrounded by caregivers, family members and close friends who are assisting with many aspects of that individual’s independence and physical recovery. Are those caregivers unaffected by these transitional, stressful periods? No, not at all. In fact, although it is often ignored, depression and anxiety is a real, common and serious problem in caregivers.

By incorporating an MHRN, the recovering individual and their family and caregiver network receive:

• Extra support and reassurance

• Holistic care for the whole family

• Recognition that there is a change in mental/emotional status

• A valuable resource for additional help

• A third-party listener and observer

Remember, MHRNs are registered nurses who monitor physical progress as well as emotional and mental health. In many cases, the older individual (and their family) feels more comfortable facing emotional issues with someone who is concerned for their health as a whole—without the stigma of seeing a therapist or psychiatrist.

Good news! Mental health nursing is considered skilled nursing by most Medicare plans; therefore, most treatment and assistance is not an out-of-pocket expense for the affected individual. As always, check your benefits first.

By bringing a Mental Health RN into your care plan, you will receive the ultimate in holistic healthcare. To learn more about how good mental health is vital to independent living, contact Celtic Healthcare by visiting www.celtichealthcare.com or calling 1.800.355.8894.