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Caregiver pushing senior in wheelchair past hospital staff

Post Hospital Stay Warning Signs

Both you and your senior loved one will likely be happy and relieved once he or she is discharged from the hospital. However, the first 48 hours back home are absolutely critical for both of you.

Following the death of a spouse, you should schedule an appointment with your senior loved one's doctor for a physical to evaluate any medical problems including depression.

Physical Should Follow Death of Spouse

The death of a spouse can have a dramatic and negative impact on an older adult. That’s why family caregivers should keep a close eye on a parent who has lost a spouse. A good first step is a doctor’s physical.

Look for the signs that an older loved one may be depressed and need help.

Signs of Depression Checklist

Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem, but is not often recognized or treated, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A number of life changes can increase the risk for depression, or make existing depression worse. Caring for a spouse or family member also can add to those feelings of depression.

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Caregiver Support Can Help Ward Off Depression, Illness

Life changes may increase the risk of depression in older adults. And if seniors are caring for spouses or other family members, that stress can intensify feelings of depression and even lead to illness and conditions such as diabetes. One answer is respite assistance, which can help family caregivers escape, even for a few hours a day or week.

One study found that older adults with low blood levels of vitamin D and high blood levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid glands may have a higher risk of depression.

Vitamin D Deficiency Can Lead to Depression, Even Death in Seniors

Depression can be a serious disease in older adults and the causes are often varied. Surprisingly simple solutions sometimes help counteract depression such as vitamin supplementation, according to research, and companionship. It's always important to first have a doctor's assessment to determine the causes of depression and the best course of action.

A number of resources can help family caregivers identify the signs that their older loved one might be depressed and give them the resources they need to help them assist that senior.

Resources Can Help Seniors Recognize Depression

Depression in seniors is not to be taken lightly. A number of resources can help family caregivers identify the signs that their older loved one might be depressed and give them the resources they need to help them assist that senior. One such resource is the Home Instead Senior Care® network, which can provide older adults with the companionship they oftentimes need to brighten their days.

Past satisfaction with life, even if it's simply recalling isolated career accomplishments, is the key to happiness in our oldest years.

Reminiscing Helps Ward off Depression, Study Reveals

Remembering career accomplishments can help older adults maintain happiness in their senior years, according to research. Companionship and the assistance of a professional caregiver can be an important component of happiness throughout life as well.

Despite popular opinion, depression and loneliness are not normal parts of aging, although many seniors experience these feelings.

Blue Mood Be Gone

For Seniors Who Suffer From Loneliness and Depression, Help is Available

Elderly woman in hospital bed

Fifth of All Medicare Patients Readmitted to Hospital

Seniors who are released from the hospital too soon can encounter problems that are costly for their health as well as the Medicare system. That’s why it’s important to ensure that an elderly loved one has the appropriate follow-up care as well as help at home to heal and recover.

A University of Calgary diabetes specialist has found that combining aerobics and weight training is twice as good for those with Type 2 Diabetes.

Aerobics and Weights Good for Seniors with Diabetes

Exercise can do so much in helping seniors manage health conditions such as diabetes. One study reveals the rewards of aerobic and weight resistance. And don't discount the benefits of companionship in motivating older adults.

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