Depression in the Aged Can Be Helped with Allied Health Care Services

Apr 9
13:31

2013

Ramon Allen

Ramon Allen

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Getting older means facing your own mortality - it also means the likelihood that you will lose family and friends to disease greatly increases. It is for these reasons that over 40% of Australians over the age of 60 battle depression.

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Getting older means facing your own mortality; it also means the likelihood that you will lose family and friends to disease greatly increases. It is for these reasons that over 40% of Australians over the age of 60 battle depression. Unfortunately,Depression in the Aged Can Be Helped with Allied Health Care Services Articles many times depression goes unnoticed in the senior population and some do not even recognise it in themselves, believing the feelings they have are just a natural part of aging.

Companies like Wellness & Lifestyles, started by Nick Heywood-Smith in 2003, that provide allied health services to the aged population, believe that a holistic approach to health is best. The mental and emotional health is just as important as the physical aspect of the body. For this reason, they provide psychology services.

Overall Healthcare Cost Savings

When someone is depressed, they are less likely to care about their physical health. Depression can reduce resistance to infection and exacerbate present physical ailments. Stress hormones can also translate into inflammation and potential health problems within the body, including upping the risk for stroke or even a heart attack. However, with proper psychological treatment, the elderly can ultimate save money over time on health care. For instance, they are far less likely to be hospitalised or experience side effects to pharmaceutical drugs and treatments. In addition, seniors are less likely to visit the doctor.

The Process

Trained, licensed psychologists, such as those provided by Nick Heywood-Smith’s Wellness & Lifestyles, provide different therapies, depending on the elderly individual. They can practise cognitive-behaviour therapy and provide grief counselling. They can help enhance social skills of the elderly as well as teach them how to be more assertive and express their thoughts and views.

Basically, the psychologists study the elderly patient to understand how they feel and think in addition to how they communicate and act with others. Evaluating the individual aids in developing a plan to aid the patient in developing coping skills, controlling their emotions and behaviour. Being able to help the aged take control of their life is the primary goal.

Depression no longer has a stigma attached to the condition. It can affect anyone but the elderly are particularly susceptible, especially in the presence of other health issues. Take advantage of allied health services such as psychology. Companies like Nick Heywood-Smith’s Wellness & Lifestyles can be the difference between simply existing in your retirement twilight years and truly living life to the fullest.