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Depression in the Elderly: 7 Ways to Help
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Depression in older adults

Older people are at risk for depression, are underserved by the mental health profession, and have the highest rates of suicide in the country. But many seniors are resistant to treatment because they don't want to burden their families, or equate depression with weakness or even death.

"One of the hardest questions I get from families is, 'How can I get my elderly loved one mental health help when they don't want it?' " says Joel E. Streim, MD, professor of geriatric psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania.

Here are some coping strategies.

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Talk about how they feel

If your father can no longer drive, offering to drive him around or pay for a taxi service won't necessarily soften the blow.

"The elderly are less likely to cope with loss as well as young people because of the added years of meaning behind it," says Kathleen Buckwalter, PhD, RN, professor of gerontological nursing at the University of Iowa.

Caregivers can help by recognizing its significance: "Ask your elderly parent what they feel about the loss. It's really important to hear them out and honor their emotions. Listening offers direct comfort and support."

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Don't impose your terminology

"For the person who says, 'No, I am not depressed,' I listen closely to what has changed in their life," says Dr. Streim.

For example, if a patient says she can't sleep, he uses that as a hook to discuss ideas about how to sleep better or longer.

"I don't say the words 'depression,' 'drugs,' or 'therapy' if an older adult doesn't buy into the idea that they need help," he says.

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Don't take over a person's life

Buckwalter urges caregivers not to try to do things for older people that they can do for themselves.

"Doing things for a depressed person is often not helpful at all, because it reinforces their perception that they are worthless and incapable," she says.

Instead, help your elderly relative break tasks into steps and praise them for any efforts.

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