Q. My mother is 78 years old and very independent, but lately she does not seem like herself. She is frequently tired, cries often, and no longer wants to see her friends. How can I help her? A. Your mother may be experiencing
symptoms of depression. Although depression in older adults is very common, it is often undiagnosed and under-treated because many assume it is normal to feel sad as you age. This is not true. There are times, such as after the loss of a loved one, that grieving is normal, but feelings of sadness and despair that last or significantly affect the person’s daily life could be depression.Depression is actually a treatable illness in older adults, and studies show that with
the right treatment, it is possible for your loved one to feel better.
It is very important for your mother to have a complete medical work-up to rule
out possible serious medical conditions, especially if symptoms appear suddenly.
Studies show older adults do well with a combination of medication and counseling or support groups. Professionals, such as social workers, are trained to understand the causes and symptoms of depression in older adults, who often do not present with typical depressive symptoms. They may complain about pains with no cause or a lack of desire to do things they once enjoyed.
Often when people feel sad, they stop doing things they enjoy, and this only makes them feel worse. Even if your loved one is resistant to medication or counseling at first, you can try to help her feel like herself again by focusing on activities they enjoy. Encourage her to set small goals, like calling a friend once a week or going for a walk. With seniors who are limited by health problems, you can try things like playing music or looking at old photos. Focusing on the things they are still able to do and letting them choose what may help them can lead
to an improvement. Jewish Family Service of MetroWest provides services to address geriatric depression and other aging needs, including assessments, ounseling, and case management. Social workers can work with the older adult mselves or with caregivers who may also be experiencing symptoms, in the office or through home visits. Appropriate referrals can be made for medical care, home care, and socialization opportunities. A nurse practitioner may be available for homebound clients as well. JFS also provides community education and depression screenings.
— LIZ KLAPMAN
Liz Klapman, a social worker with Jewish Family’s Service of MetroWest, has worked primarily with older adults for the past three years. She promotes the prevention and treatment of geriatric depression through
Healthy IDEAS, an evidence-based intervention program funded with support from the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
and the Grotta Fund for Senior Care of the Jewish Community Foundation
of MetroWest. Send questions to the JFS social worker to  intake@jfsmetrowest.org (put “JFS on Call” in the subject line). For more information on JFS call 973-765-9050 or visit www.jfsmetrowest.org