Mental health is an important issue for older adults. As people age, they often experience a number of life changes, which can contribute to mental health problems.
Seniors need access to appropriate mental health care and support, including therapy, medication, and community resources.
Kensington Senior Living Communities strives to help seniors live high-quality lives, which is why we partner with various professionals and experts throughout the year.
Watch the recap of our recent event, The Benefits of Low-Dose CBD for Our Aging Population, to learn more about treating depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, with CBD oil.
Watch our recent event with the following experts:
- Dr. Steven Schmitz of CV Sciences
- Sue Feldmeth, RN, founder of MC Wellness Consulting LLC
- Jesse Karagianes, CV Sciences
- Leandra Sims, Connections Memory Care Manager at the Kensington Sierra Madre
Read on to learn more about the symptoms of depression, how depression is diagnosed, the benefits of CBD oil, and how to find a loving community for your senior loved one.
What are the symptoms of depression?
In older adults, the signs of depression may differ from those seen in younger adults, and they may be less likely to report their symptoms.
However, some of the most common signs of depression to look for in the elderly include:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Agitation
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death
- Loss of motivation
- Memory loss or confusion
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- Neglecting personal hygiene
Seniors also seem to have more physical symptoms, such as pain, headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems.
At The Kensington Senior Living Communities, our team members have been trained to recognize symptoms of depression in our residents.
By recognizing symptoms early on, we can help your senior loved one get the help they need to feel better.
How is depression diagnosed?
Depression is typically diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist.
Generally, a physician will conduct a physical evaluation and medical evaluation where they ask about your loved ones’ symptoms, medical history, and any medications or supplements they are taking.
If the physician can rule out other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or anemia, the next step would be for your loved one to receive a psychological assessment.
Using questionnaires, the healthcare professional can assess your loved one’s moods, thoughts, and behaviors.
To officially diagnose depression, your loved one must have at least five symptoms of depression for at least two weeks.
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil, also known as cannabidiol oil, is a chemical found in the cannabis plant.
Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive, which means it does not produce the “high” or euphoric feeling commonly associated with marijuana use.
Currently, there is only one CBD product approved by the food and drug administration, a prescription oil called Epidiolex.
As more research is conducted on the benefits of CBD oil, the more likely it is that more CBD products will be approved.
The benefits of using CBD oil for depression
CBD oil is thought to work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system and by influencing serotonin levels.
Research suggests that CBD oil may have potential benefits for treating depression by improving mood and increasing feelings of well-being.
It has also been used to treat anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, dementia, and epilepsy.
It can take 1-2 weeks to feel the effects of antidepressants and at least 4-8 weeks to experience the full benefit of taking them.
CBD oil is fast acting, meaning it wouldn’t take as long to improve older adults’ mental and emotional health.
Antidepressants can also sometimes come with negative side effects, though they affect everyone differently. Whereas with CBD oil, there are fewer adverse effects.
Other benefits of CBD oil include:
- Improved sleep
- Reduced pain
- Reduced neuropathy
- Stimulated appetite
- Promoted relaxation
During our informative webinar, you will learn more about the why, how, and safety of low-dose CBD.
Our communities can help with your care questions
Kensington Senior Living Communities stay current with the latest advances in care to ensure our residents receive the best support and treatment.
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own, which is why we offer the best services and amenities.
Each of our independent and assisted living, and memory care communities include:
- Around-the-clock care
- On-site nurses
- Medication administration and injections
- Alzheimer’s care
- Dementia care
- Rehabilitation services
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Wellness classes
- Fine dining
- Speciality diets
- Life-enrichment activities
- Cozy and safe suites
- Caregiver resources
Contact us or check out our blog to learn more about our communities, resources, events, career, and volunteer opportunities, and how to register for our upcoming webinar.