Depression in Elderly – Nursing Interventions & Management

• Depression in elderly is common as there are various aspects of life that have changed drastically as they age. 
• A loss of independence (if they live in a care facility) and maybe a weakened mental and physical capacity can be frustrating when one was used to living their life a different way. 
• A nurse working in long term care can make all the difference when dealing with depression in elderly. It is important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, to be able to provide interventions and advocate for the resident. 

Depression in elderly populations is quite common and especially for those who require more advanced care living in nursing homes or other assisted living facilities.  

As a result of losing more of their independence they can feel they no longer have much to offer and being a long-term care nurse, I have had elderly residents tell me they feel like a burden to their loved ones and other care givers.

It is important when providing nursing care to the elderly population that we are mindful of the signs and symptoms of a depressed resident and ensure we provide the proper interventions to help them.  

Some signs an elderly resident may be depressed are loss of appetite, sleep issues, loss of interest in activities they usually enjoy, irritability, and isolation. A depressed resident may exhibit only a few of these signs or all the above. There are a variety of nursing interventions that can be used when caring for depressed residents.  

Promote a Sense of Purpose

As I mentioned above, many elderly residents feel that because they can do less for themselves and others than they once were. This makes them feel useless or unimportant. It is important we help assist the elderly resident in maintaining a sense of belonging and purpose.  

One way to do this is encouraging them to participate in a hobby they enjoy or engaging in any activities that may be going on in the facility they reside.  

For example: The facility I worked at had bingo nights, movie nights, and other activities. This will give them the opportunity to meet and engage with other residents and help with their socialization.

Treat Sleeping Issues

Much like the production, possession, and alteration of fake driver’s licenses, the consequences are far worse for fake vaccine cards.  

If you notice a resident is either sleeping more than usual or not sleeping enough or having sleep disturbances during the night, it is important to discuss this with the physician to see if they can get an order for a sleep medication or other treatment to help them sleep.  

Sleep problems that are not addressed can cause existing depression symptoms to worsen and cause greater irritability. It is important they maintain a regular schedule for going to sleep and getting up in the morning. 

Encourage Visits With Loved Ones

If the resident has friends and family that are close enough to visit in person this should be encouraged. If the resident has friends and family who are not close enough to visit in person, it is important to encourage the resident to communicate with them through the phone or if they are able to write letters. This will help them feel less lonely and give them something to look forward to.  

Talk to Them

When you have cares or other tasks you are assisting the resident with, take the extra time to talk to them while providing care. Get to know them and ask them questions about their past career or hobbies.  

From my experience, they usually welcome and enjoy these questions. This will aid in helping them feel cared for and seen.

Make Sure They Are Eating

It is important to ensure the elderly resident is eating at least fifty percent or more of each meal and that they are getting the proper nutrients and hydration. This will help them feel more energized and keep them healthy. 

Encourage Sunlight

If they are able and willing, it is important to get them out in the sunshine. This will help boost their mood and the Vitamin D they absorb from the sunlight will also help with any depression they may be experiencing.  

There is also an item called a SAD light that physicians sometimes recommend for a resident. This is a light therapy option designed to mimic sunlight and can assist in chemical changes in the brain increasing serotonin and producing a happier mood. 

Medications for Depression in Elderly

If they are already on any medications to treat depression, it is important they do not miss any of the medications. However, it is their right to refuse the medication and if they do refuse make sure to document the refusal and discuss other treatment options with their physician. 

The Bottom Line About Depression in Elderly

In conclusion, depression in elderly can have a significant impact on their quality of life and it is important to provide interventions as early as possible to assist in treating depression and getting the resident back to enjoying life. 

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