I had been working with a senior client, let's call him Harry, who has been preparing to make a move to a senior condo for the last 6 months. During these six months I have gotten to know him and his family fairly well. Right before his move last week I made a visit to him to make some final plans regarding his move. Harry was pacing, was disorganized and down right mad about moving. I expect to see my clients express some sadness about moving out of their homes. It's normal and healthy. However, this drastic change in Harry was well beyond what I expected, and a little scary. It was so out of character for him!
I called his daughter later that day and expressed my concern about Harry. She tried to reassure me that Harry was just nervous about the move. I told her this seemed beyond nervousness, that I suspected there was something a-miss and encouraged her to get him in to see a Geriatrician--NOT his family doctor.
Harry was diagnosed with depression. I suspect after a few weeks on medication he'll be back to his jovial energetic self. Harry said "funny, I don't feel sad, just mad as hell."
Depression is very common in seniors, and often under diagnosed. Think about this...do you know a senior who is:
Lonely or isolated?
Suffered a recent loss such as a neighbor moving away, a pet, a loved one?
Suffering from a chronic illness or chronic pain such as arthritis?
Not eating quite right because it's "hard to cook for one?"
Experiencing some fear due to changes in their neighborhood, or changes in their physical health?
Experiencing a reduced sense of purpose due to recent retirement or changes in physcial abilities?
Most of the seniors I know meet more than one of those descriptions! Triggers for depression can be as simple as poor nutrition or high blood pressure medication.
Great resources for mental health issues with our elderly are:
Eldercare Consultants who are Geriatric and Mental Health Care Managers; mikejustin02@yahoo.com
And, the Geriatric Mental Health unit at United Hospital in St. Paul, MN and a brand new Geriatric Mental Health Unit at Unity Hospital in Fridley, MN. To make a referral, you can call the referral line at 763-236-4464.
I called his daughter later that day and expressed my concern about Harry. She tried to reassure me that Harry was just nervous about the move. I told her this seemed beyond nervousness, that I suspected there was something a-miss and encouraged her to get him in to see a Geriatrician--NOT his family doctor.
Harry was diagnosed with depression. I suspect after a few weeks on medication he'll be back to his jovial energetic self. Harry said "funny, I don't feel sad, just mad as hell."
Depression is very common in seniors, and often under diagnosed. Think about this...do you know a senior who is:
Most of the seniors I know meet more than one of those descriptions! Triggers for depression can be as simple as poor nutrition or high blood pressure medication.
Great resources for mental health issues with our elderly are:
Not in Minnesota?
Contact the Eldercare Locator
See also: Resources for Seniors