Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bartlesville, Ponca City and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check. If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Tulsa County, Osage County, Washington County, Creek County or the surrounding area, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/4002.

1. About Dealing with Depression in Senior Years From Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Tulsa County, Osage County & Washington County, Oklahoma<br />Depression is a complex and serious illness. It knows no boundaries-age, financial status, gender, or other factor. But depression is not something any of us has to accept as a normal part of life, nor as a normal part of aging.<br />Older adults do not always fit the typical picture of depression. They may not claim to feel sad at all but may complain, instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints are often the predominant symptom of depression in the elderly, along with anxiety or irritability.<br />Many of us experience symptoms of depression from time to time. It is when symptoms persist for weeks or months that we should seek help for what might be clinical depression.<br />Things to Watch For<br />Causes and risk factors that contribute to depression in the elderly include:<br />Loneliness and isolation. Living alone; a dwindling social circle due to deaths or relocation; decreased mobility due to illness or loss of driving privileges.<br />Reduced sense of purpose. Feelings of purposelessness or loss of identity due to retirement or physical limitations on activities.<br />Health problems. Illness and disability; chronic or severe pain; cognitive decline; damage to body image due to surgery or disease; lack of folic acid or vitamin B12 in the diet; substance abuse.<br />Medications. Many medications can trigger or exacerbate depression.<br />Fears. Fear of death or dying; anxiety over financial problems or health issues.<br />Recent bereavement. The death of friends, family members, and pets; the loss of a spouse or partner.<br />Family history of depression.<br />First seek help from your primary medical doctor to rule out symptoms of depression that can occur from medical conditions or medications. Some illnesses that commonly trigger depression include heart attack or stroke, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's Disease. Some medications, failure to take prescribed medication, or harmful drug interactions, too, can actually cause symptoms of depression or make a pre-existing depression worse. Have your doctor review a list of all medications you take to help you determine if any of them are causing depression symptoms.<br />Loss of mental sharpness is not a normal sign of old age. It could be a sign of depression or dementia, both of which are common in the elderly. Depression does not cause dementia; however, the two share many similar symptoms, making it difficult to tell them apart. Remember, prompt diagnosis and treatment of either are key.<br />Ways To Combat and Prevent Depression:<br />Volunteer. Helping others is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and regain perspective. <br />Get a pet. Animals can be good company. <br />Learn a new skill. Something you have always wanted to learn, or one that sparks your creativity. <br />Enjoy jokes and stories. Swap humorous stories and jokes, watch a comedy, or read a funny book. <br />Maintain a healthy diet. Avoid too much sugar and junk food. Choose healthy foods that provide nourishment and energy, and take a daily multivitamin. <br />Exercise. There are many safe exercises you can do to build your strength and boost your mood-even from a chair or wheelchair. <br />Remember that depression is an illness, not a sign of weakness. <br />Don't keep your feelings to yourself. Talking to somebody does help. <br />Try not to panic about not sleeping properly. It will get better when the depression lifts. <br />Try not to change medications without discussing it with your doctor. <br />Be kind to yourself. You may need to change your routine while you are unwell. <br />Helping a Depressed Elderly Friend or Relative:<br />Offer emotional support to a senior citizen you care about who is depressed. Be patient and compassionate. Don't criticize feelings expressed; point out realities and offer hope. Help them get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Accompany him or her to appointments, and offer moral support.<br />If you don't live near your loved one or you need assistance with helping them to do the following things, obtain help from outside resources.<br />Other tips for helping a depressed elderly friend or relative include:<br />Invite your loved one out or arrange for someone else to help them remain active physically and mentally. Activities can include walks, an art class, or a trip to the museum or the movies. <br />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 are around others. <br />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. <br />Encourage the person to follow through with treatment. Depression can recur when treatment is stopped too soon. If it isn't helping, look into other medications and therapies. <br />Make sure all medications are taken as instructed, time, and dosage. Remind the person to obey doctor's orders about the use of alcohol while on medication. <br />Watch for suicide warning signs. Seek immediate professional help if you suspect that your loved one is thinking about suicide. <br />Remember that isolation and inactivity only make depression worse. If you or your loved one is depressed, more activity-physical, mental, and social-will help.<br />Senior Helpers caregivers can help give your aging loved one the companionship they need to stay social and active to eliminate the isolation that can lead to depression.<br />About Senior Helpers:<br />Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bartlesville, Ponca City and surrounding areas. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check. <br />If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Tulsa County, Osage County, Washington County, Creek County or the surrounding area, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/4002.<br />Sources: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/, http://helpguide.org/mental/depression_elderly.htm, http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/seniors.htm, http://nihseniorhealth.gov/depression/aboutdepression/04.html<br />