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Posted By
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April 25, 2008, 3:20 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Ozzie
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Subject
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Depression Among Elderly
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Many elderly people have serious problems with depression, especially those who are in nursing homes. My mother-in-law is in a nursing home and is experiencing depression in the three years that she has been there. It's understandable that she would be depressed. It's very sad to see her and some of the other residents this way. I guess all we can do is visit and try to bring some joy to their days.
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Comments
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April 25, 2008, 6:03 pm
Flag as Inappropriate drabble says...
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I agree that yes it is understandable but it's also avoidable in some ways. What is the home doing to help bring them out of it?
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April 25, 2008, 8:23 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Annabelle says...
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It's way more common than people seem to realize. Even in nursing homes where they're surrounded by others, it's easy to feel completely alone and even unloved. It's unfortunate and although avoidable sometimes, other times, it's inevitable to happen to a certain extent.
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April 25, 2008, 9:51 pm
Flag as Inappropriate skatss says...
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They say that depression in the elderly also can be because of the medication they take. It can be a side effect and most elderly people aren't helped by their doctors because everyone thinks that it's normal to be down as you get older.
You might think about seeing if the home will permit you to organize some volunteer people to come in and get people busy and talking. There are also places that bring in animals, like dogs and cats to nursing homes and hospitals to comfort the people there and bring their attitudes up a bit.
You are right to think that you can help her depression, but the doctors at the home should also be doing something to alleviate it.
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April 25, 2008, 10:43 pm
Flag as Inappropriate Tammy66 says...
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A lot of the depression occurs because too many people shut their elderly family members away in a home and then forget about them. I used to work in a nursing home and it's so sad that patients own children do not visit them. Most facilities have volunteers and activities but that doesn't fill the time like a job and family used to.
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April 26, 2008, 12:17 pm
Flag as Inappropriate melanie says...
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I completely agree with Tammy. Wouldn't you be depressed if your kids, whom you raised from birth, dumped you off in a home and only came to visit at Christmas. That's just wrong!
If at all possible, when the time comes kids need to take care of their parents. Even if it means taking the parents into their own home and caring for them.
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June 4, 2008, 8:35 am
Flag as Inappropriate pheinbaugh2 says...
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My grams is getting pretty depressed. She just keeps saying she's ready to die. There isn't a whole lot left for her anymore. She is sore and completely dependant on everyone else now.
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