What is the Geriatric Depression Scale and How Do We Understand It?

The data rolling in on the effects of the pandemic on depression has been astronomical over the last few months. The reality is, we very likely won’t understand the complexity or abundancy of the mental health effects of this current situation until years after. But even with all the statistics, it seems in the broad narrative, senior depression takes a back seat. In an effort to keep our seniors safe, we have isolated them. And we are just now starting to see real evidence that shows their demographic is one of the hardest hit.

It can be hard to understand what true clinical depression in our loved ones is. Sometimes blues can be misinterpreted as depression, for this reason, some psychologists have recognized the need to measure the level of “sorrow or depression” to treat it.

The scientific classification tool was created in 1982 by J.A. Yesavage and colleagues, and the Geriatric Depression Scale is now used almost universally in hospitals and seniors care centres to diagnosticate the severity of any individual’s condition.

The test is relatively simple, but it is recommended to only be administered by a specialist such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. That said, if you have concerns and want to run a quick assessment prior to contacting a professional it is possible to ask a few of the questions yourself.

How it works:

There are various versions (Long and Short) which are used in various instances. But all are developed as series of specific questions that show indication to the general mood of an individual.

How is the scoring:

For the long scale, the numbers of answers the person choose that are in alignment with negative sentiment are tallied up to understand where within the scale those individuals would fall.

• 0-9 matches - normal

• 10-19 matches - mild depression

• 20-30 matches - severe depression

Same idea for the short.

• 0-5 matches - normal

• Greater than 5 matches - possible depression

• 10 or more matches – Almost always indicates depression

These tests prove very useful as the quicker we can diagnose an individual; the quicker action can be taken.

Who is at a higher risk?

• Females

• Those who live alone

• Those who are divorced

• Those who are widows/widowers

• Lower education levels

• Individuals who are experiencing cognitive decline

• Excessive use of alcohol or tobacco

• Those who are physically ill

• Are on multiple medications for physical illnesses

• Have financial problems

• Have trouble taking care of themselves

To learn more about the Geriatric Depression Scale visit: https://wwwoundcare.ca/Uploads/ContentDocuments/Geriatric%20Depression%20Scale.pdf

Our team felt it important to spend a little extra time-sharing information on this subject. What was originally designed to be a single post at the beginning of the pandemic has turned into somewhat of a series. We are seeing such an increase in depression among seniors that we want to try and do something about it! 

Read more related blog posts to senior depression here: https://blossomsseniorcare.com/blog/elderly-depression.

Read about one of the treatments we can all take part in today that has helped alleviate some of the sadness here: https://blossomsseniorcare.com/blog/pen-pals-a-traditional-connection.

We will be finishing off this series with our last article in the coming weeks focusing on various therapies. Stay tuned!

Contact us today to learn more about how Blossoms Senior Care can help you or your loved one through this difficult time!

Pen Pals, A Traditional Connection

There is beauty and peace through traditional connection. 

With months of strict, no-visitor rules in place, assisted living communities started looking for options to assist with an epidemic that has arisen within the pandemic, isolation. With many seniors experiencing extreme loneliness, less intimate care, mental strain, and increases of elder depression, many loved ones new that something needed to be done. 

Viral reaches through various organizations started popping up on social media urging people to go ‘back to the basics’ and start connecting with our isolated seniors the old fashion way. Calls for pen pals became one of the hottest trending topics online, and spurred a wide array of organizations to help implement programs to get people talking. 

It’s no secret that amid the pandemic, elderly individuals are at a great risk not just physically, but also psychologically. Now, everyone knows COVID-19 has been much more deadly among people above 60 years old and showing pre-existing conditions. This fact has led to the locking down of at-risk individuals, leaving them in situations of significant loneliness. Here is where pen pals become helpful, killing the loneliness and sadness of the isolated seniors.

Sometimes, all it takes is one kind word to nourish another person… One empathetic word has a wonderful way of turning into many. – Mister Rogers 

People all around the world are getting involved with the elderly through pen pal programs. Sharing their time, stories, and encouragement through the comfort of communication. Mostly handwritten, but also by email, this has been proven to be one of the best ways to bridge the gap left from limited visitations from loved ones. Results from various pen pal experiments around North America has shown that the traditional handwritten letter is the perfect tool for seniors who don’t often use technology. Also, it creates anticipation as they want to feel the connection and look forward to their name in a letter every week.

Maybe the benefit is not just for the elderly, but for the young people that find themselves alone without no one to hear them.

How can you get involved? It’s easy!

1.    Take out the pens, pencils, and crayons. Get creative! Write something from your heart.

2.    Contact any of the many organizations who are running a pen pal program. Here is our recommendation: https://www.facebook.com/caringandconnectingpenpalinitiative/

3.    Deliver the letter and wait for the response!

In the end, all of this is done to make sure that our elders know that they are not forgotten. With all the news focused on how dangerous the virus is, people seemingly lose sight of the very real repercussions of isolation. Anything we can do to help individuals know that they are not forgotten will do them a world of good. It could actually help save a life!

Contact us today to learn more about how Blossoms Senior Care can help get you or your loved one started!

How To Get Exercise Later In Life

Exercise can be daunting for those who do not take part in it regularly. Most of the physical and mental health problems come because of the lack of exercise and bad alimentation habits. That is why we at Blossoms Senior Care have decided to put together this list of benefits to encourage you or the elders in your life to start with the simple routine.

We know can be scary or difficult to start or keep training at a certain age, maybe due to a health problem, pain issues, or even worries about falling, whatever the reason it is vital to start exercising no matter the age or stage, there always will be a type of exercise for you.

Do you want to live for more years? And we are talking about healthy years, well, then it is time to put on the runners. Several studies have shown how physical activity can add significant extra time to your life.

Exercise is not just beneficial for the body itself but also improves memory, increasing dopamine which helps with depression and makes you look better!

Benefits:

• It can reduce the impact of illness due to the improvement of the immune system and digestive functioning that can lower the risk of chronic disease.

• It helps you Lose weight. Exercise increases metabolism which will conduct fat burning and building of muscle mass.

• It is not just about fat and muscles but about balance, but exercise increases flexibility and mobility which are both key factors to monitor when aging.

• Creates a healthy mind and a healthy body. Exercise improves the quality of sleep and boosts mood and self auto steam, reducing the risk of depression and dementia.

• It can help with memory loss improving creativity and multitasking, furthermore, it will help with the progression of brain disorders like Alzheimer’s.

How to start:

Perseverance achieves great results and starting is not easy, but once you start it is easier to make it part of the routine. Do it gradually and increase time or weight every week depending on the exercise, try to mix different kinds of activities so it won’t be monotonous.

In a few weeks, the results will show, physically you will feel more strength, the body core will strengthen and some pain may disappear as soon as within a month. But also, it will improve the sense of well-being, relieve stress, and it is not a secret that exercise can help with mental disorders like depression or even Alzheimer’s disease. In the end, it will define how you age.

Is important to make this time pleasant, try to combine different things you like, for example, listen to music, podcast or an audiobook, a long walk to your favorite place, small hikes, bird sightseen or even watch a good show while you are using the treadmill.

Interesting Facts:

·      Regular activity helps one stay independent for a longer time

·      Exercise can improve the loss of bone many experience

·      Yoga activities can improve balance and strengthen the back

·      There is always exercise for every age

·      People with disabilities still can do some activities, some specialized places can help you. 

Even if you or your loved one are already in need of care, exercise is one area that Blossoms Senior Care can help. Our team is ready to work with you to establish an exercise routine focusing on helping your unique situation.

Contact us today to learn more about how Blossoms Senior Care can help get you or your loved one active! 

4 Things That Indicate it is Time to Call in Elder Care

Elders tend not to say when they feel it is time to get help. Many are frightened about the stigma and loss of independence that can come along with that type of request. After a lifetime of caring for themselves they tend to see the need of caregivers as an admittance of failure and they can lose self-respect. As loved ones of these individuals, we must navigate the muddy waters of elder care with caution. We need to be aware of the signs that it may be time to call in senior caregivers. 

If you run into any of these four signs outlined below, you can take it as a strong indicator that it is time to call in the professionals.

1.     Difficulty or Lack of Self-Care

One of the biggest indicators of the need for care is a decline in self-care. If you notice your loved one has started to have issues with basic self-care tasks, that is a significant red flag. Basic self-care tasks would include things like grooming, eating, bathing, dressing, dental care, etc.

Watch their appearance. If you are starting to notice a decline in care that will be one of the first signs. If someone who has always dressed very well starts to wear only ripped up pyjamas while no longer properly bathing that could be a sign they are having troubles managing themselves in the bathroom/bedroom. Losing a bunch of weight? This could be telling you they can no longer cook or feed themselves properly.

Caregivers can not only help your loved ones with self-care tasks, but htye also offer companionship to seniors. When self-care declines so can social connections as we will talk about shortly. A companion which can help with all things self-care may be just what the doctor is ordering. 

2.     Increased irritability

Many things can cause an increase of irritability in elders. These types of symptoms tend to stem from both physical and mental decline. Issues with health cause frustration and anger that can shine through on even the most pleasant of individuals. 

If you notice an increases in irritability, make sure to investigate further. A trip to the doctor might also be a good idea. One of the most common causes for this type of behaviour is Alzheimer’s and dementia. So, it pays to look into the issue further. 

3.     Housekeeping is falling behind

Another change in commonality that can help point to the need for senior care is the state of the home. If there is a sudden change, or even a gradual decline in the overall ‘health’ of their yard or home, this could be a tell that your loved one is no longer up to the challenge of housekeeping. Most household chores require strength, flexibility balance, and motivation. If any of those areas are diminished, it will be apparent in the care of the home.

Watch for things that would historically not happen. Uncleaned spills, dirty laundry, overgrown grass, etc. Caregivers can help with these things that are necessary yet no longer possible for the individual to perform alone. 

4.     Lost Social Connections 

Has the amount of time spent alone increased for your loved one? Depending on their personality, this may be another warning they need elder care. Avoiding social activities with family or friends or any other change in social habits might mean they are struggling with some of the other points outlined in this article. 

It may also mean that they are having physical or mental health concerns that cause them to be uneasy or uninterested in social interaction. 

Whatever the reason, if a normally social individual starts to isolate it is cause for concern. A caregiver can bring the assistance they need to ensure they feel comfortable communicating and interacting with those in their social circles. An elder care specialist also can bring an element of consistent companionship which can have tremendous psychological benefits.

Assessing and understanding the need for a caregiver can be a difficult endeavour. Our team is here to help.

If you suspect that your loved one needs or will need access to care, contact us today to learn more about how Blossoms Senior Care can help. Our trained team can help you decide whether or not it is time to get help. We will also introduce you to services Blossoms Senior Care Inc. can offer when the time comes.