Depression and elders is a serious and unfortunately common problem among the aging populations. Some studies even estimate up to 25% of the elderly population suffers from depression.

Among the elderly, depression is difficult to diagnose as the symptoms blur with traits stereotypically associated with age. The roots of depression in an elder can range from a number of scenarios, including: grief, chronic illness or pain, loneliness, memory loss, or feeling that life no longer has purpose.

According to the Center for Disease Control, common symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

• Irritability, restlessness

• Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable

• Fatigue and decreased energy

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

• Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

• Overeating, or appetite loss

• Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

• Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment.

People of all ages experience periods of uncertainty, grief, or mourning. However, extended periods of mental is not normal, whether the individual is a young adult or an elder. Therefore, any of the above symptoms exhibited by the aged should be seriously evaluated, and medical help should be sought.

There are many different ways to treat depression. Consider the following options, which can usually be covered by insurance plans:

Psychotherapy, or “Therapy” – Therapy is the process of discussing problems associated with depression with a trained and licensed mental-help professional. Many forms of therapy are available, including individual, family, couples, or group. Often therapy is the first step in treating depression.

Antidepressant Medications – These drugs increase brain chemicals that improve emotions, or neurotransmitters.

Community Involvement – A great way to fight loneliness and give a sense of purpose, community involvement allows the elder to engage him/herself in an activity he/she enjoys. Options include: elder support groups (often offered at hospitals), joining a social group, engaging in a hobby or volunteer work, getting a pet, or regularly receiving visitors, be it family, friends, or other loved ones.

Depression is hard for people of all ages, but it is particularly important to watch-out for in elders. Ignore the notion that all elders are “withdrawn” and focus on getting care for your loved one.

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Check out In Home Caregivers & Health Care Providers for all your home caregiver needs.

Finding a caring, professional in home caregiver or health professional can be a challenging task. You want to be sure that that the person you are bringing into assist with everyday needs will provide quality care. Quality doesn’t mean just showing up, it means being there emotionally to help keep spirits high and improve quality of life.

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Elder abuse is a serious and critical issue to address when considering any caregiver for the elderly, be it an at-home service or a care giving facility. Abuse can be either physical or emotional, and sometime the caregiver can be completely unaware he/she being abusive towards the patient.

One of the considered main causes of caregiver abuse is caregiver depression and stress. Physical abuse constitutes as a non-accidental force against the elder resulting in pain or injury. Emotional abuse causes the elderly person emotional distress, using intimidation, humiliation, or ignoring the individual to bring pain.

Other forms of abuse can include sexual abuse, abandonment by caregivers, using the elder’s assets for exploitation, and healthcare fraud.

There are warning signs to notice that could indicate emotional abuse from a care provider. For instance, if a noticeable change in personality from the elder occurs, the root of the change should be investigated. Likewise, if arguments are frequent between the caregiver and the elder, abuse could occur.

Warning signs to look for when suspecting physical abuse include changes in physical appearance, such as weight loss or malnutrition, signs of injury like bruises or welts, signs of being restrained (like marks on the wrists), medication overdose/under-dose, or the caregiver refusing for you to be alone with the elder.

Preventative measure is the best precaution to take to eliminate elder abuse. The best way to find a caregiver who fits your needs is to analyze what exactly your needs are. Write a job description addressing your professional needs for the caregiver candidate, times/hours need per week, years of experience, and personality expectations. Be thorough and concise in your job description.

Write a list of questions you want to be sure to ask of your candidates. Ask for references and be sure to check with each one to see if the caregiver is, in fact, a good candidate for the position. As well, be sure to get a background check on those you are seriously considering hiring. When choosing the best candidate for hire, be sure to choose wisely. Look for caregivers who have experience with the ailments that may affect the elder needing care. Lastly, be sure to consistently monitor the elder’s progress and care. Any signs of abuse or neglect should be investigated immediately.

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Check out In Home Caregivers & Health Care Providers for all your home caregiver needs.

Finding a caring, professional in home caregiver or health professional can be a challenging task. You want to be sure that that the person you are bringing into assist with everyday needs will provide quality care. Quality doesn’t mean just showing up, it means being there emotionally to help keep spirits high and improve quality of life.

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Caregiver agreements can be like a family-based insurance plan – creatively ensuring that elderly family members receive the loving care they deserve.

Your frail mother is still beloved but she’s 92 and requires home care. Caring for her is a labor of love, but difficult work; even when she smiles. Besides the tedious and unrelenting requirements involved, the “job” of caring for her can be a severe financial strain on the child. Studies have shown that a child serving in the capacity of primary caregiver can lose 75% of potential earnings during every year that the”job” of caring for their parent continues.

What if there existed a creative solution to your elder care dilemma? Caregiver agreements – formal contracts under which relatives are hired to care for elderly family members have been around for decades, but with the current economic downturn, an increasing number of families are choosing this option. This is good news, because caregiver agreements come with a number of benefits, not the least of which is that money given to a son or daughter under a caregiver agreement is not considered by the government to be “a gift” when an elderly person is attempting to qualify for Medi-Cal, Medicaid, or other public benefits. Another plus is psychological: to an aging parent, the idea of being cared for by a trusted family member may be especially meaningful. The contracted arrangements may also ease tensions and resentment among siblings, if for example, one child is rendering the lion’s share of the care.

The caregiver agreement must be in writing and it should be carefully crafted, preferably by an attorney specializing in Elder Law. There are also tax consequences. These agreements are legal contracts; should include details such as the cost of services with each service itemized; and the duties that the caregiver will be performing, spelled out in clear language. Authorizations for medical or financial decision-making should also be clearly described, especially if making medical and physical decisions will be part of the caregiving duties, those powers should be separately set forth in Durable Powers of Attorney for finances and Advance Health Care Directives for medical issues. Perhaps most crucially, the caregiver contract must be executed before the caregiver receives any compensation. If this final stipulation is ignored, a caregiver agreement could lead to a crisis instead of a solution.

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Gene Osofsky is an East Bay elder law attorney in California. Gene Osofsky specializes in Medi-Cal planning, wills, probate, trusts, nursing home issues, special needs planning, and disability planning. To learn more about elder law and The Law Offices of Osofsky & Osofsky, visit Lawyerforseniors.com.

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