In the U.S., 34 million adults aged 65 or older suffer from depression. Only 3% are receiving treatment. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a good time to look at the benefits that 24-hour home care offers when depression affects your mom.
She Won’t Forget to Take Her Medications
If your mom is prescribed antidepressants, she’ll have caregivers available to remind her when she needs to take them. It takes them time to build up and start working, so missing a dose can be detrimental.
Some antidepressants are taken multiple times a day. Your mom’s 24-hour home care aides will not let her forget a dose.
Transportation Is Available
Is your mom seeing a therapist or other medical professional regularly? Sometimes, virtual sessions can be arranged, but your mom may prefer to meet in person. She doesn’t have to miss an appointment or rely on you for rides.
Her caregiver can drive her to her appointment, wait in the waiting area, and drive her back home. If she has errands to run on the way to or from her appointment, her caregiver is right there to help out
Someone Is There to Make Sure Your Mom Eats and Drinks
Depression does impact some people by changing their appetite. If your mom isn’t eating enough or sticks to less healthy sugary baked foods, it may help her to have someone to make her healthier meals.
Her caregivers are there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Your mom can have meals that include fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Her Home Is Clean and Organized
With a caregiver’s help, your mom’s home is cleaned and organized. Her caregivers can do the laundry, wash dishes, and sanitize and wipe down surfaces like counters and stovetops. Caregivers can sanitize appliance handles and faucet knobs. They can vacuum and sweep floors and dust.
After a shopping trip, your mom’s caregiver can carry in the bags and boxes and put things away. Groceries are put in the proper place, and your mom will have the groceries she needs.
She Has Company on Walks
Walking in the fresh air and sunshine helps boost your mom’s mood. It’s especially important on sunny days. If your mom doesn’t want to talk alone or needs encouragement, she can have an aide at her house ready to accompany her.
Your Mom Has Someone With Her If She Has Insomnia
Your mom doesn’t have to be alone. She doesn’t need anyone hovering over her, but she should have a helping hand as she needs it. With 24-hour home care, your mom has someone with her if she wakes up and can’t sleep.
It’s not difficult to get set up with 24-hour home care. Make a call or fill out the online form to get started.
Sources:
https://mhanational.org/depression-older-adults-more-facts
