Geriatric Counseling

Depression is not a normal part of the aging process! However, some older adults experience depression yet fail to recognize it for what it is. They may experience tearfulness, hopelessness, agitation, or sleep disturbances and not realize that these may be symptoms of depression.

One complicating factor with older adults and depression is that it is often mistaken for dementia and vice versa. That’s because the two conditions have many similarities. But there are also differences. Sometimes a family will assume the behavior of an older adult is age-related dementia when in reality it is depression. And when the depression is treated, the behaviors change for the better.

Many older adults take a variety of medications and this can be problematic, especially if the medications are prescribed by several different physicians. One simple thing to do is to have all the medications evaluated by a pharmacist to make sure that drug interactions are not occurring. Many medications also have side effects which can be detrimental to mood.

It is very important for me to know all the medications the person is taking as well as the chronic conditions being treated. During the course of the assessment we will discuss these. And, just as in working with younger persons, I will assess and treat through the lens of an integrative approach. This means, simply, that I look at the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors that are at play. This is a whole-person approach and I find it to be very effective.

Contact my office to make an appointment for your geriatric counseling session today.