Depression in the Chronically Ill Elderly Patient

Of the total population of the United States, 39 million are 65 and older. Of those 39 million older adults, about 5% reside in nursing homes, with the median age of 83.2 years (Urdaneta Thakur, 2010). It is estimated that by the year 2030, 20% of the nation’s population will be 65 and older (Glaister Blair, 2008). With the number of older adults rising significantly, so will the number residing in nursing homes. A significant amount of older adults will experience depression. Depression is prevalent in older adults, and those residing in nursing homes seem to be at greater risk for developing it (Urdaneta Thakur, 2010). It is also estimated that the number of older adults experiencing depression is three to five times that of older†¦show more content†¦RN’s are the primary care givers in nursing homes. They are the frontline, an essential component of the care of the patient. Education of the patient, as well as the nurse, is just as important. The nurse ca n teach the patient coping mechanisms and strategies to help the patient overcome their depressed moods, thoughts and feelings. A positive attitude, religious beliefs, family support, sense of reality, and therapy are all proven successful ways of helping to deal with symptoms of depression in the elderly (Choi, Ransom, Wyllie, 2008). Caregivers may also experience depression after a family member or loved one enters a nursing home. Even though the placement of a family member or loved one into a nursing home relieves the caregiver of previous duties and care of the patient, feelings of stress and burden are still reported. Caregivers must also go through an adjustment period. They are no longer responsible for the direct care of the patient, and must go through a dramatic role change. Stressors of the caregiver may include travel time to the nursing home, monitoring of the residents care, and managing financial and bureaucratic matters. The problems with memory and behavior of the loved one or family member is also proven to be a huge stressor, as well as the dissatisfaction with the care of the resident. One of the best coping solutions for the caregiver is social support, which is associated with psychological well-being (Majerovitz, 2007). The nursesShow MoreRelatedActive Euthanasia Pros and Cons Essay1640 Words   |  7 Pagesmost horrendous genocides in the past millennium. No where else do we have a cohort more at risk than the elderly, as they fall prey to the pressures of getting out of the way, and with a burgeoning population of baby boomers now becoming the elderly our system already strained now faces even more pressure. 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