The Understanding and Managing Depression in Older Adults at Assisted Living Facilities Training aims to educate healthcare providers (HCP) on the specific manifestations of depression in older adults. Furthermore, understanding the generalities of depression in elderly patients within assisted living facilities is crucial to provide a healthy state of well-being. This course is aimed towards achieving the best and most compassionate care regarding depression in older adults.
What You Will Learn:
- Common symptoms of depression in older adults
- Various risk factors contributing to depression in older adults
- Screening tools for detecting depression
- The relationship between depression and physical health in older adults
- Different treatment modalities
- The responsibilities of caregivers in managing depression in residents
Details:
Course length: 1 hour; CME: 1
Languages: American English
Key features: Audio narration, learning activity, and post-assessment.
American Medical Compliance is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education to physicians. Our Continuing Medical Education (CME) program is committed to enhancing the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of healthcare providers to improve patient care outcomes. Through high-quality educational activities, we aim to address the identified educational gaps and to support the continuous professional development of our medical community. American Medical Compliance designates this activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Physicians should only claim this credit for their complete participation in this activity.
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Symptoms in Older Adults
Depression in older adults may be difficult to recognize because older people may have different symptoms when compared next to younger people. For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. They could instead be feeling more of a numbness or a lack of interest in activities. They may not be as willing to talk about their feelings. Some symptoms to look for include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Irritability, restlessness, or having trouble sitting still
- Loss of interest in activities
- Fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Eating more or less than usual
- Improper sleep schedule
Common Depression Factors in Older Adults
There are plenty of risk factors of depression in older adults. For some, changes in the brain can affect mood and result in depression. Others may experience depression after a major life event, such as a medical diagnosis or the death of a loved one.
Research has shown that these factors can be related to the risk of depression:
- Medical conditions, such as a stroke or cancer
- Genes
- Stress, including healthcare professional stress
- Sleep issues
- Social isolation and loneliness
- Lack of physical activity
- Functional limitations
- Substance abuse
Treatments
Some of the most common treatment options include psychotherapy and medication.
Psychotherapy, counseling, or “talk therapy” can help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Talking with a psychologist, licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), psychiatrist, or other licensed mental healthcare professional would be an appropriate next step. Examples of approaches specific to the treatment of depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT).
Medications for depression that may balance hormones are also commonly used. There are several different types of commonly used antidepressants medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants commonly prescribed to older adults. A psychiatrist, mental health nurse practitioner, or primary care physician can prescribe and help monitor medications and potential side effects.
