Winter Blues by Senior Helpers of Seattle

Dec. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- Pete Jelinek, Senior Helpers of Seattle

Caregivers Raise Awareness about the “winter blues”

In-Home Care Company Helps Seniors Cope

Seattle, December 2012 – More than two million seniors, over the age of 65, are diagnosed with some form of depression every year.  Yet research shows 68 percent of seniors know little or nothing about depression.  That’s why Senior Helpers, one of the largest in-home care companies in the nation, is raising awareness about senior depression this winter – a time when many people experience what’s referred to as the “winter blues.”

“Near the end of the year, seniors are used to a lot of social activity and spending time with friends and family.  But between the New Year until about Easter, all of that social activity dramatically declines for many seniors, especially if their family lives out of state.  Add cold weather or not much sunlight to their days, and you have seniors who may suddenly be faced with the “winter blues,” says Pete Jelinek of Senior Helpers of Seattle.  “We want people to know that at the very least, you can turn to our caregivers to provide instant companionship to help seniors cope with their emotions.”

*Only 38 percent of those 65 years and older believe depression is a health issue.  And they’re more likely than any other age group to “handle it themselves.” In fact, research reveals that more than half of all seniors, age 65 and older, believe that it is normal for people to become depressed as they get older!

Know the Signs (Source: Mental Health America):  

Ø  Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

Ø  Changes in sleep patterns

Ø  Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

Ø  Loss of pleasure and interest in once-enjoyable activities

Ø  Restlessness, irritability

Ø  Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as chronic pain or digestive disorders

Ø  Fatigue or loss of energy

Ø  Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

“The three most common signs of senior depression listed above are lack of appetite, fatigue and problems concentrating,” says Pete Jelinek.  “But the problem is that these common symptoms are often passed off as being part of the aging process instead of senior depression.  Our caregivers can be an extra set of eyes and ears to help discover whether a senior is sad vs. depressed.  It’s important to recognize the difference.”  

This story touches a huge portion of your readers/listeners/viewers this New Year.  We’ll develop the story for you and set up all the interviews and photo/b-roll opportunities you need right in your area.  

Sources:  *Mental Health America

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers connects professional caregivers with seniors who wish to live at home as opposed to a nursing or assisted living facility. The company has 300 franchises in 39 states and one in Canada offering a wide range of personal and companion care services to assist seniors living independently with a strong focus on quality of life for the client and peace of mind for their families. Services include meal planning/preparation, light housekeeping/laundry, errands/transportation and provide assistance with walking, bathing, hygiene, eating and more.  Senior Helpers strives to be the leading companion and personal care provider that offers dependable, consistent and affordable home care.  For more information, please visit www.seniorhelpers.com.

Did You Know?

More than 55% of older persons treated for mental health services received care from primary care physicians.  Less than 3% aged 65 and older received treatment from mental health professionals.
About 58% of people aged 65 and older believe it is “normal” for people to get depressed as they grow older.
Older patients with symptoms of depression have roughly 50% higher healthcare costs than non-depressed seniors.
Depression is a significant predictor of suicide in elderly Americans.