ENID, OK - As this holiday season is wrapping up, you may have noticed someone you love is suffering. Perhaps they were withdrawn, told you not to worry about them, as they will be fine. They turned down your invitation to come over for the holidays and chose to stay at the nursing home instead. Now some time has passed and that loved one is still in a “funk”. Moving into a nursing home can result in a nursing home resident becoming depressed and generally, staff is instructed to look for that. Holiday depression however is often overlooked due to everyone’s busy schedule. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from depression, whether it is seasonal or chronic, please speak up. Talk to the director of nursing or the administrator at your loved one’s nursing home. Ask them to look in on your resident. Ask if the doctor could evaluate your loved one. And most importantly, talk to your loved one. Let them know that you are there for them and they are not a burden. Tell them you love them and everything will be fine. Depression is nothing to ignore.
-
Whether you are young or old, depression is a serious disorder and should not be overlooked. About half of all seniors in long term care facilities are battling depression, with about 20 % having severe depression. Severe depression is not something a person can just “shake off.” Often medication and therapy are needed. Mild depression can often be treated with diet and exercise. Some recent studies have indicated that depression and suicide are on the rise in long term care. A recent study suggests that one nursing home resident per day is making a choice to end their life early. If you or someone you know has talked about contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 without hesitation.
-
It has been estimated that up to 60% of nursing home residents receive no visitors at all. This in itself is a depressing statistic. The State of Oklahoma Long Term Care Ombudsman Program helps to fill that need. Ombudsmen help to advocate for and visit residents in nursing homes, skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. If you or someone you know lives in a long term care facility and you have questions or concerns please call your local Ombudsman Supervisor. The Long Term Care Authority of Enid Area Agency on Aging has two Ombudsman Supervisors. They are Julie Torson and David Huff. Julie and David can be reached at 580-237-2236. Their office is located at 202 W. Broadway, Suite A, in Enid.
-
-
Depression in Nursing Homes
