Senior Health

Signs of Holiday Depression Among Older Adults

Holiday Depression and Older Adults

The holidays can be an exciting and joyful time for many people – decorating the tree, shopping for gifts, attending the Christmas parties, and spending time with family are events that bring smiles to many faces. However, this may not be true for the senior population. Many seniors experience depression and anxiety during the holiday season and adult children and other loved ones should know the warning signs to watch for.

What Causes Holiday Depression Among Older Adults?

Senior depression during the holidays is linked to a variety of causes:

Winter blues: Depending on what climate the senior lives in, weather can play a role. Cold, icy weather combined with fewer hours of sunlight can lead to a condition called seasonal affective disorder. For some people, it can be serious enough that medical intervention is required.

Isolation: Many seniors are feeling isolated during the current pandemic. But the pandemic isn’t the only reason for feelings of isolation. For adults with mobility challenges or those who have given up driving, feeling isolated and alone during the holidays is often the culprit of their depression. It might seem to a senior that everyone has someplace to go except them.

Grief and loss: For many seniors, facing the holidays without a loved one is the source of their depression. The festivities may serve as a reminder of how the holidays were spent before a loved one’s passing.

Declining health: Health problems, especially ones that impact their ability to join in holiday parties or vacations, can trigger feelings of sadness.

What Are The Signs of Holiday Depression Among Older Adults?

According to the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation, signs of senior depression include the following:

Prolonged sorrow and sadness (lasting for more than a few weeks)

Loss of energy and feelings of weariness

Withdrawing from favorite hobbies and social activities

Change in personality or mood

Easily tearful or quick to anger

Unintended weight gain or loss

Problems sleeping—either sleeping too much or too little

Difficulty concentrating and shortened attention span

Lack of interest in joining holiday gatherings or family parties

As we head into the holiday season, adult children and family members should be mindful of these red flags. It’s important to remember that depression is not a normal part of the aging process. Depression can be a serious health issue that requires proper medical treatment.

You may not have thought of a retirement community as a factor in senior mental health. However, if your older family member currently lives alone, it’s worth considering a move to a community where he or she can connect more easily with others in the same age group. In addition to being safer and having less upkeep to worry about, adults in senior retirement communities benefit from regularly scheduled social activities built into daily life on campus. This can improve their mental health all year round, but particularly during the holidays.

Making the decision to move into a senior living community can become difficult, visit our website for more support options.

Want to learn more around how New Haven can support you or a loved one? Schedule a tour today HERE!

New Haven Assisted Living received vaccines first creating the safest environment for its residents.

AUSTIN, TEXAS (February 2, 2021) New Haven Assisted Living, with 10 assisted living and dementia care communities throughout Texas, looks forward to the long-term protection COVID-19 vaccines will provide residents and staff, offering a peace of mind for families and everyone at New Haven.
Being one of the first senior living communities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, New Haven residents can rest easily knowing they are living in the VERY safest place for seniors in the foreseeable future.
New Haven is confident the COVID-19 vaccine will transform the healthcare industry and continue to provide a safe place for all current and future residents to call home. Our teams will continue to maintain safety protocols currently in place to help protect our residents, staff, and families, including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), on-going community testing, social distancing, and specialized daily cleaning.

“Unfortunately, many seniors still living at home wait for access to the vaccine, which could be weeks to months away. While waiting, they will continue to be at far greater risk than seniors living in one of our communities, not just regarding their emotional and mental health, but to their physical health as well. We are fortunate to have the ability to provide close to 600 COVID-19 vaccines to residents and staff across 10 of our New Haven communities,” says Holli Hasserodt, Regional Vice President.

Throughout this pandemic, New Haven has focused not just on safety but on maintaining community-style living that is vibrant for the residents by providing daily opportunities for social engagement, exercise, and an enhanced dining program. New Haven provides a wide range of benefits, from 24/7 care to give the residents the ability to interact with people daily, allowing for a social life.

New Haven Dementia Care serves seniors with dementia, offering specialized dementia care programs where they’ve seen significant benefits from the residents being able to engage and socialize versus the alternative — being at home alone, isolated, and at potential risk of depression and loneliness.

“At New Haven, we understand families have concerns around placing their loved one in a senior living during this pandemic. I see it as one of the safest options for our seniors. We continue to excel in all 10 of our communities by providing vaccines for our staff and residents, new and old. Metaphorically, we are an island of safety in a sea of COVID-19,” says Justin Yarmark, New Haven’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Stay updated with how New Haven stays ahead of COVID: https://newhavenassistedliving.com/coronavirus-preparedness/ or follow us on our Facebook page for more updates!

Staying Fit in Your Senior Years

Senior living doesn’t look like it used to. Gone are the days when retirees were faced with day after day of wheelchairs and television reruns. Today, even in assisted living, age doesn’t need to be a barrier to staying active and healthy. Staying fit in your senior years may not look like it did when you were in your prime, but there are more options out there than you think.

We’ve gathered some of the simplest and easiest ways for you to stay in good physical health as you age. It’s never too late to improve your fitness levels. Regular exercise can help improve your mood, reduce muscle and joint pain, slow down osteoporosis, and even boost your memory.

Always Talk to Your Doctor First

Remember to check with your doctor before you start any new diet or exercise program. If you have a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or pulmonary disease, you may need to take extra precautions to exercise safely.

Your doctor can also likely recommend specific local resources such as physical therapists or personal trainers who specialize in working with senior citizens.

Low-Impact Exercise for Seniors

When you’re choosing an exercise program to try, the key phrase to look for is “low impact.” Low-impact exercise is still healthy but puts less strain on your heart, joints, and muscles. Because low-impact exercise typically involves having at least one foot on the ground at all times, it is also a better choice for those with balance or mobility problems.

Even low-impact exercise can get your heart pumping enough to make a big difference. Just taking a simple walk every day benefits your heart, lung, and joint health. Evidence suggests that even brain health and memory improve with regular low-impact exercise.

Other forms of fun, low-impact, senior-appropriate exercise that you may want to explore include:

Water aerobics or synchronized swimming
Dance lessons
Cycling on a stationary bike
Swimming laps
Gardening
Resistance training (weight lifting or resistance bands)
Golf
Tai Chi (shadow boxing)

Remember that if any of these are new to you, it’s important to start by getting help from an experienced teacher. Even with low-impact exercise, it’s possible to injure yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Mobility Considerations

If you use a cane or walker, or even if you’re in a wheelchair, staying fit is still for you! While mobility limitations do put some forms of exercise beyond your reach, you may be very surprised by what is still feasible.

Often, seniors with mobility issues enjoy what is called chair exercise. Chair exercise means an exercise routine that you do while seated.

Many assisted living residences and senior centers offer chair-based exercise classes including aerobics, yoga, pilates, and sometimes even weight lifting or dance. No matter what your level of fitness, you can find a way to get moving and start reaping the benefits today.

Exercise for Mental Health

In senior living, our watchword is always to promote the greatest level of independence possible. Strengthening your muscles, bones, and joints through a regular fitness program helps extend your years of mobility and overall health.

But on top of all the physical benefits, exercise has major mental health advantages. Seniors with a fitness routine have lower rates of depression, better brain health, and fewer feelings of isolation. Even some dementia symptoms improve with appropriate exercise.

Are you interested in learning more about how assisted living could help you improve your physical health and fitness? Contact us today to chat about physical enrichment at New Haven Assisted Living.

Recognizing UTIs in the Elderly and Why it’s Important

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is the most common type of bacterial infection that affects the elderly. One in ten men over 65 will deal with a UTI, and one in five women over 65 will also. While these infections begin in the bladder, when left untreated they can spread to the kidneys and beyond, leading to serious health complications. In the elderly, these infections may not look like you expect and can be easy to miss. So, how do you recognize a urinary tract infection in a senior, and what should you do about it?

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

A urinary tract infection begins when too much bacteria grows inside the urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the body) or the bladder. Often, this bacteria is introduced from outside the body. Bacteria can come from poor hygiene like infrequent washing, incomplete wiping, or wearing a soiled adult diaper for too long. Sometimes, the bacteria is already inside the body and begins to grow when the bladder is not completely emptied or emptied often enough.

As more bacteria grows, the infection can spread. Sometimes this happens quickly, and an infection that was quite small to begin with can move from the bladder to the kidneys and beyond before you even notice it’s there.

Why are UTIs Different For Seniors?

If you’ve ever had a UTI, you probably recall the symptoms. In younger adults, a UTI often causes pelvic pain, fever, and sense of an urgent need to urinate. Urine may be cloudy or bloody, and often has a strong odor.

In older adults, some of these common symptoms may not be as noticeable. As we age, our immune systems change and often grow weaker. Because of this, many seniors with urinary tract infections do not have a fever.

Another age-related change that can mask a urinary tract infection is bladder weakness. Many seniors already experience some mild incontinence, difficulty, or urgency when their bladder is full. Because this is a normal part of their experience, they may not recognize when there has been a change related to an infection.

All of these difficulties grow if a senior is experiencing any type of age-related cognitive decline, such as dementia. Cognitive decline makes it harder both to notice UTI symptoms and to express that they are happening.

The Biggest Symptom of UTI in a Senior that You Need to Know

For many seniors, the biggest symptom of a urinary tract infection is a behavioral change. This can look like confusion, lethargy, falling or balance problems, agitation, decreased appetite, or even hallucinations. In fact, these changes can be so severe that they can be misdiagnosed as dementia.

If your parent or senior loved one has suddenly developed any of these symptoms, it’s important to get them to the doctor as soon as possible. Urinary tract infections in seniors can lead to life-threatening complications, including permanent kidney damage, or a major infection in the blood known as sepsis.

In seniors who already have a dementia diagnosis, an untreated UTI can speed up cognitive decline. It’s important not to assume that sudden new or worsening confusion is “just” dementia getting worse.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections in Seniors

There is no way to guarantee that your mom or dad will never contract a UTI. However, these simple measures can help lower the overall risk:

Emptying the bladder frequently, no “holding it”
Wiping from back to front
Staying well-hydrated at all times
Changing incontinence briefs often throughout the day
Showering rather than bathing
For indwelling catheters, clean daily with soap and water as instructed by a doctor

Maintaining urinary tract health is a crucial part of health and well-being for seniors. This is especially important with any kind of condition that raises the risk of UTI, like bladder or bowel incontinence, dementia, catheterization, or immune system compromise.

Are you a home caregiver for a senior with dementia or other cognitive decline? You might like to meet with one of our support groups for caregivers. Click here to learn more or reach out today for information and help.

FAQ: Understanding Remote Health Care

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Is Memory Loss Normal as You Age?

A lot of folks notice that as they get a little older, their recall isn’t as sharp as it was. When this happens, it can be very worrying. You will likely find yourself asking, is memory loss normal as you age?

The short answer is yes. Some memory loss is just a normal part of aging. That means being forgetful doesn’t always mean Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Age-related brain changes make it harder to learn new things, remember things after you hear them, or keep track of small objects or tasks.

With that being said, it’s smart to pay attention to the way your brain is working. By learning the early signs of dementia you can not only set your mind at ease but know how to identify any red flags of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

What is Normal Age-Related Memory Loss?

Just like the rest of your body, your brain changes with age. You might notice that you’re losing keys, forgetting names, or having trouble recalling new things you’ve learned. Or, you might feel like your mind is slowing down.

“Senior moments” like this are normal. Age-related memory loss and slower reaction time are just part of life for many of us as we get older. Even occasionally forgetting to pay a bill or losing track of a new neighbor’s name is not a cause for alarm.

Small lapses in memory or focus that don’t interfere with your daily life are not usually red flags. But what things are?

What Are the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can be hard to distinguish from regular age-related memory loss. An Alzheimer’s sufferer sometimes asks the same question over and over again. They may call objects by the wrong name without noticing.

Daily tasks can be hard for Alzheimer’s sufferers. For example, simple or familiar jobs like using the microwave or driving to the store without getting lost become a challenge. Instead of forgetting a new friend’s name, someone with Alzheimer’s disease might forget names of family members.

Alzheimer’s may make it hard to recognize your own possessions or forget that you usually wear glasses, or how to turn on your car. Disorientation like this is always a red flag, even if it is minor or passing.

What Other Kinds of Memory Loss Are There?

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of memory loss but not the only type. Abnormal memory loss is also known as dementia. Each kind of dementia is unique in its cause and effects.

Vascular dementia can happen after a stroke or as a result of heart disease. Lewy body dementia often leads to sleep problems and hallucinations. Parkinson’s disease can cause dementia symptoms, as can Huntington’s disease. Frontotemporal dementia affects behavior and personality.

These are just a few of the different kinds of dementia that we recognize today. They are less common than Alzheimer’s but just as serious.

What Do I Do If I Think I’m Losing My Memory?

If you are worried about memory loss or other signs of cognitive decline, call your doctor first. It may be helpful to write down any red flags you’ve noticed. You should always let your doctor know if you notice:

Memory changes that interfere with your daily life
Confusion about places or people you know very well, like home or family
Hallucinations
Mood swings
Difficulty adjusting to change
Forgetting to care for yourself or do regular tasks like paying bills
Frequent lapses in short-term memory

Dementia is often a progressive disease. Progressive diseases get worse over time, especially without treatment. Therefore, it’s always best to catch dementia as early as possible; early treatment can slow dementia down by years in some cases.

Many people with early stage dementia are afraid to tell anyone that they are having a problem. But it’s crucial not to hide dementia symptoms. The sooner dementia is caught and treated, the better a dementia sufferer will do. It is important to get help as soon as you can if you or a loved one are noticing any of the problems listed above.

What Happens if I Have Dementia?

Over time, most folks with dementia will need help to care for themselves. For a while, this can happen at home. However, in most cases, dementia will eventually require skilled care.

Many seniors with dementia choose to move into a special assisted living residence where they can receive dementia care, a special type of skilled nursing that can help restore and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering if dementia care is the right choice? Click here now to learn more about dementia care at New Haven Assisted Living and see how we can help you provide the best care available.

Personal Protective Equipment: Pandemic Safety for Seniors

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a hot topic everywhere these days. There’s a lot of misinformation out there about what to wear, what it does, and how to use it safely.

If you’re confused about PPE and how to use it in your daily life, this blog post is for you. Use it as a quick guide to understanding the different kinds of PPE, what they’re for, who should use them, and how.

What to Know About Cloth Masks

The CDC recommends cloth masks for non-health care providers. Cloth masks should contain at least two layers of a tightly woven, breathable material such as quilting cotton or heavy-duty jersey. These masks help block the flow of germs out of your mouth and nose to protect others around you from getting sick. Remember to wash a cloth mask after every use to avoid contamination.

Recommended for: Everyday wear to protect others around you
Not recommended for: Preventing infection if you are near other people who are not wearing a mask

What to Know About Surgical Masks

A surgical mask is a disposable paperlike mask designed to be discarded after a single use. You can recognize surgical masks as the kind you most often see at a doctor or dentist appointment. These masks help block the flow of germs out of your mouth and nose to protect others around you from getting sick.

Recommended for: Health providers who need to protect others from bacteria or viruses
Not recommended for: Repeated use; Preventing infection

What to Know About N-95 Respirators

An N-95 respirator is a special reusable mask designed to filter small particles such as mold, bacteria, and some viruses out of the air that you breathe. N-95 masks are popular with contractors which is why you can often find them at hardware stores.

These masks filter the air that you breathe and can remove up to 95% of small particles before they get to you. An N-95 respirator with no front exhaust valves also helps block the flow of germs to others from your mouth and now. However, respirators with front exhaust valves will not protect others from your germs. N-95 masks rely on proper fit and a tight seal to be effective and won’t help if they don’t fit right.

Recommended for: Health care providers who need protection from infection
Not recommended for: Use by non-medical personnel

What to Know About Face Shields or Goggles

A face shield is a clear plastic sheet worn over the face. A face shield helps protect your eyes, nose, and mouth from small droplets that may carry bacteria or viruses. However, it does not clean or filter the air that you breathe. Most health care providers use a surgical mask or respirator in combination with their face shield. Goggles offer protection only for the eyes and not for the nose or mouth.

Recommended for: People who are at risk of being exposed to coughs and sneezes
Not recommended for: Replacing a cloth mask or surgical mask

What to Know About Gloves

Health care professionals wear gloves to avoid spreading germs from a dirty surface to a clean one, a process called cross-contamination. This is why for gloves to be helpful, you must change and discard them after every time they touch a “dirty” surface.

Recommended for: Healthcare professionals trained in appropriate use of gloves
Not recommended for: Protection while shopping or performing other activities that require touching many different things

Is it Safe to Wear a Mask?

You may have heard rumors that wearing a mask can lower your oxygen levels or cause serious health risks. Fortunately, these rumors are mostly not true. Unless your own personal doctor tells you that a mask is unsafe for you, you should wear a mask. There is not strong evidence that mask wearing reduces blood oxygen levels or causes breathing problems or infections.

Remember that cloth masks are best for helping to keep others safe. Therefore, wearing a cloth mask may not protect you from being infected if you visit with people who are not wearing masks. For the same reason, masks protect you best when combined with physical distancing at a space of 6 feet apart or more.

What PPE Should I Be Wearing?

Because of our levels of exposure and risk, most of us only need to wear a cloth mask. Your doctor can advise you about whether you should wear something more protective than this. You may see others wearing extra PPE. However, unless they are medical care providers, a cloth mask and possibly goggles or a face shield are enough.

If you’re interested in our COVID-19 preparedness and response plan, click here to learn more and read our most frequently asked questions about assisted living and Coronavirus.