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What May Indicate Depression in Your Senior After a Stroke?

March 8, 2019
Linda Kunicki
Depression is a very serious and tremendously impactful effect of stroke. If your elderly adult has recently experienced a stroke, it is very important for you to be aware of their emotional condition so you can identify changes that may indicate they are experiencing depression. As family caregiver, you can help your parent to cope with depression by providing them with care and support, and also access to medical care and support that will help them to overcome their depression during and after recovery. This is not only important for their mental and emotional health and well-being, but also their motivation and ability to take care of their physical needs.

Some symptoms that may indicate depression in your senior after a stroke include:
  • Persistent sadness
  • Feelings of emptiness
  • Hopelessness
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sleeping too much
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Not wanting to participate in activities they once enjoyed
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Changes in appetite, such as eating much more or not wanting to eat
  • Aches and pains
  • Headaches
  • Digestive difficulties
  • Getting sick more often and having more difficulty recovering
If your parent is showing any of these symptoms, it is important to encourage them to get care as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to talk to their doctor about your senior's symptoms. They can recommend a therapist or other treatment option to help your parent cope with their depression effectively and enjoy a higher quality of life during recovery and after.

Home care isn't just about the benefits this care can offer your aging loved one. The highly personalized services of an in-home senior care services provider can also make a tremendous difference in your life. Being a caregiver can be stressful and exhausting, and if you live at a distance, have a busy schedule, or are also raising children, this effect can be increased. Knowing your senior has an in-home senior care services provider with your parent can help you to feel more at ease and to take a step back from your parent's care so you can focus on all other aspects of your life. This relieves your stress and allows you to create a schedule that is flexible and effective both for the care your senior needs and the other responsibilities and obligations in your life. 

https://www.strokeassociation.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/emotional-effects-of-stroke/depression-and-stroke 

IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOME HEALTH CARE IN OAK PARK, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE LA GRANGE. CALL TODAY: 708-551-2500.