While no one wants to admit that they are depressed, it is part and parcel of live-in care work, either in yourself or your client. If left untreated depression can do serious damage to the quality of life.

15% of older people suffer from depression in either mild or severe stages, with over 20% of residents in some care homes suffering from this condition.

Undiagnosed and untreated depression can lead to many problems including suicide. Even though you feel you know your client well, there may still be signs of depression which are not clearly seen.

To add to the issue, there are some medications which have side effects like those of depression. Heart disease medications closely resemble the signs of depression.

There are several signs to look for to confirm that you or your client suffer from depression, and these days, with the Coronavirus, there are more people who suffer with this issue.

Some symptoms

Confusion or mental cloudiness

You and even family may put this down to a client simply getting older and a little more befuddled. If your client seems more confused than is normal for them, you should contact the GP and arrange a visit. For yourself, if you realise that you are becoming more confused with your daily routine and things seem a ‘little fuzzy’ you may want to talk to the doctor.

Loss of interest

It is not surprising that when we are forbidden to have our loved ones visit, we may become down and depressed. Right now, it is understandable to feel this way. Depression will take this feeling a step further, with you or your client becoming increasingly disinterested in things that once pleased you.

Loss of a friend and sadness

The loss of a friend who has been around for many years of your client’s life is bound to make them feel depressed. This is normal. Real depression will manifest itself by never getting out of the ‘sadness rut.’ While sadness is to be expected, if your client simply does not seem able to focus on anything happier, then this may be a sign that they are depressed.

Lack of appetite

Even though you and your client are in a state of lockdown, and may find this upsetting, there should still be meals which are enjoyed and something to look forward to. Indeed, some older clients seem to revolve their days around what they are having at mealtimes. If this seems to change to where they no longer care about food, then you should talk to the doctor.

Medication

Before jumping to the conclusion that your client is depressed you may want to check the medication they take. Several medications have side effects which mimic depression. Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease are two conditions that will leave your client feeling lethargic and lacking in appetite.

How to cope with depression

Once you are certain that you or your client is suffering from depression, not from any medication, then you should think about ways to help with this condition.

Talking

Talking to your client, your family, your client’s family, your support team and other carers on the social media platforms is always a good idea. You will find that there are other carers in the same position as you, and you will be able to boost each other.

It is easy to arrange for family to call their loved one at a time when they can comfortably chat for a while. Video calls can be arranged so that your client feels closer to their loved ones.

Do things

Set yourself and your client a small task every day and make this something that they can do easily. Walk around the garden, water the potted plants. Paint a picture, bake a cake. Doing things and setting a daily goal will be a small step to feeling better.

Learn something

With the lockdown you may find that you have extra time on your hands, so try to make use of it wisely. Learn a language, there are many online courses for this. Learn to knit or crochet, learn to play a different game of cards – the list is endless.

Laugh

Most clients that we go to have videos from ‘the good old days’ and while some of them may not be to your taste, your client may find them amusing and be cheered up watching them. Shows like ‘Dad’s Army’ are much loved by the older generation and you may even start to laugh yourself!

In closing

Never take depression lightly, either in yourself or your client. The disease can have horrible effects so if you think you or your client are suffering from depression, then talk about it. Call the GP, speak to a District Nurse, or even your family. Never try to handle this on your own, you should always seek help.

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