On 24 July, UK charity Samaritans is running ‘The Big Listen’ – an awareness day that shines a light on the importance of listening to people experiencing depression or who are struggling to cope with their feelings. While we can all feel down or worried at different stages in our lives, when it becomes harder to shake off these feelings, we can become more at risk of developing depression. Older people can become prone to depression, especially if they also feel isolated or anxious about their wider health. People who experienced depression and related problems in younger days can also be more likely to suffer repeat episodes in later life.
What is depression?
Depression can affect anyone of any age. It is a serious mood disorder that affects how you think, act and feel. It is treatable and most people with depression can feel better with counselling, support or medication. There are several types of depression. These include major depressive disorder, which lasts for more than two weeks and seriously impacts on people’s ability to carry out tasks or live their normal lives.
Persistent depressive disorder can last for even longer – years in some cases – but it often has less on an impact on someone’s capabilities to carry on with their normal routines. Then, depression can be caused by or linked to medical conditions such as heart disease or multiple sclerosis, or brought about by alcohol or other substance misuse. Seasonal affective disorder can be instigated by shorter daylight hours and overcast weather conditions that typically arrive in late autumn and winter.
How does depression present in older people?
There are many signs that could suggest someone is feeling depressed. These include a persistent low or empty mood. Perhaps residents who were previously happy to join in activities now no longer wish to do so, or cannot raise the enthusiasm to leave their bedroom, or even their bed. Other signs can include feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, lethargy, increased fatigue and more frequent irritability. There can be physical signs too, such as headaches, digestive issues and cramps.
Depressed older people can find it harder to concentrate or make decisions. They might also find it harder to sleep or maintain a healthy appetite. These types of signs can be monitored and tracked through Care Vision’s fluid and nutrition intake tools and behavioural monitoring functions, among others. It’s also vital to watch out for signs that older people in your care might be having concerning thoughts about suicide or death.
How can care managers help?
Risk factors include the medical conditions already described above, as well as a family history of depression or low moods, sleep problems, stress, isolation and low physical activity. All of these can be very relevant to older people and care home managers are strongly advised to keep an eye on their residents for signs of depression starting to appear. It is important to put residents in contact with the appropriate professionals who can help them, such as counsellors or psychotherapists, and to access the right medications and therapies to support a safe, effective recovery.
In particular, care home managers can provide plenty of opportunities to interact with other people. These could be fellow residents, care staff, friends and family members and visitors to the home. The more older people feel part of a community, the more supported and bolstered they will normally feel. Social connections can also take place over the phone or via video conferencing, email and text.
Active listening
‘The Big Listen’ on 24 July raises awareness of the importance of simply listening to people who need to talk and help them feel less alone with their challenges. Active listening is a very important skill for care home managers and staff to work on. It shows people that you are really taking in what they are telling you, and that their words are important. Active listening requires you to be fully present in the conversation and focused on what you are hearing.
You can indicate that you are actively listening by maintaining appropriate, engaged eye contact and reacting verbally to what the other person is saying (without interrupting). Ask open-ended questions to keep the conversation going and paraphrase what they have said to show that you understand. Try not to judge or offer unwanted advice. People living with depression can often find it hard to express their feelings, so any negative reactions could put them off trying again.
More information about the Samaritans’ Big Listen day is available online at https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/samaritans-awareness-day.
You can also call the Samaritans helpline to talk for free, anytime, on 116 123.
