Supporting Seniors with Depression: Local Resources & Tips

Depression is non-discriminatory and can affect people of any age, race, or gender. It is not, however, a typical experience to have as we age. For older adults who are experiencing depression, getting help to overcome it is crucial to enjoying a safe and independent life in their golden years. The National Institute on Aging shares the below infographic on four important things to know about depression in seniors.

As the loved ones and caregivers assisting seniors in their journey of aging in place, having the resources to support someone going through depression can make a big difference. It can feel overwhelming to assume that responsibility yourself. Instead, turn to these resources below, both local ones for the Northern Central Indiana area, as well as national resources.

Resources in the Northern Central Indiana Area

Community support can be particularly beneficial for seniors, who often struggle with depression related to grief or other life circumstances. Here are a few area resources for them to explore.

Mental Health Services

Speaking with a professional counselor often makes a big difference. In the Northern Central Indiana area, Four County Counseling Center and Aspire Indiana Health offer behavioral health services that are tailored to seniors. Both in-person and virtual therapy sessions are available.

Community Social Programs

It’s key for seniors to interact with others in order to avoid social isolation. Local activities and senior groups through the Tippecanoe Senior Center will help keep them connected to others in the Northern Central Indiana area.

Senior Support Groups in Indiana

Sometimes, talking to other older adults in similar circumstances can ease feelings of depression. The following area support groups offer the opportunity to do just that:

• Parkinson’s Disease Education and Support Group
• River of Hope– Grief Care
• MS Support Group at Community Howard Regional Health
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• Indiana University Health Diabetes Management
• Indiana Council on Aging

Emergency Numbers to Save

If you believe your loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, these emergency numbers are vital to have on hand.

• Indiana Crisis Line: 988. Press 1 for veterans.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness Indiana chapter: 1-800-677-6442
• Indiana Division of Mental Health and Addiction: 1-800-901-1133
• The Institute on Aging’s Friendship line: 1-888-670-1360

Tips for Caregivers Assisting Seniors with Depression

Perhaps most importantly to someone going through depression, is having the support of family and those closest to them. This includes family and professional caregivers, as they are frequently around the senior they are caring for. There are plenty of ways that caregivers can be supportive. Below are a few examples.

Encourage the person to be proactive about finding help, like finding a local counselor or joining a support group. If necessary, provide transportation so that the senior has fewer hurdles to stand in their way of receiving help.

Support a healthy lifestyle routine that keeps the senior at their peak performance in order to tackle depression with a healthier mind and body. This includes getting plenty of restful, quality sleep at night, fueling their bodies with nutritious food and water, and getting movement in every day, even if it is gentle stretching or walking. As a caregiver, you can facilitate this further by joining the senior on a walk every day after lunch, helping to prepare healthier meals to keep in the fridge, and creating a positive bedtime routine for them.

Offer to be a judgement-free listener, where the senior can share their feelings, worries, and thoughts without concern for their relationship with you being compromised.

Keep a calendar of social activities for the senior to encourage companionship and human connection. This can be for both virtual and in-person activities, as long as they’re feeling engaged and avoiding isolation.

Moderate daily tasks and keep a watchful eye on their condition and behavior. If you notice the senior’s mood or behavior changes or declines, take prompt attention to address it with the appropriate people, like their physician. Be sure they are sticking to their usual physician-recommended medication schedule and follow-up care, if any.

Visiting Angels Supports Senior Mental Health

Depression can be debilitating, but having a reliable caregiver by your side can truly help. Visiting Angels Northern Central Indiana provides older adults with personalized companionship and assistance that helps support their overall well-being.

If you want to talk more about how professional caregivers can monitor a senior loved one and assist with their daily activities and engagement, call us at 765-670-6260 or fill out our contact form.