Does your elderly loved one have Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD?

If so, this means they are depressed as the seasons change. Many times the depressive symptoms will get worse when it gets darker outside. Most of the time this disorder presents itself when the fall season fades away and winter comes forth. Since there are fewer daylight hours, people often feel drained of energy. They may be moodier than usual, as well. If your elderly loved one has SAD it could be affecting their life in numerous ways.

More Irritable

Have you noticed that your elderly loved one is more irritable as the seasons change? Do you notice a significant increase with your elderly loved one being irritable when the fall season fades away and winter comes about? If so, then your elderly loved one could have Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Having Lower Energy than Usual

Have you or one of the caregivers noticed that your elderly loved one has less energy than usual? Maybe they can’t seem to get much done throughout the day. You might notice that your elderly loved one doesn’t have any desire to move around or go places. If this is the case, especially when it occurs in the midst of a season change, SAD could be the cause.

Feeling Heavy

Has your elderly loved one mentioned lately that they feel heavy? Maybe they have said their legs or arms are tense or tight. This could be the overwhelming sensations or depression weighing down their body. If this is something that your elderly loved one is feeling as a result of SAD, you can encourage them to do yoga. If your elderly loved one is willing to do yoga a few times each week, it could help them to feel a bit less heavy.

Sleeping A Lot

Has your elderly loved one been sleeping a lot as the weather gets colder? If so, they could have Seasonal Affective Disorder. With this disorder, the depression can be anywhere between mild to severe. Those who have moderate to severe depression often feel tired all the time. They don’t want to get out of bed or may feel like they can’t get out of bed.

Conclusion

These are some of the ways that Seasonal Affective Disorder could be affecting your elderly loved one. If you suspect your elderly loved one has this disorder, it wouldn’t hurt for them to be assessed by their doctor. It may also help your elderly loved one if you or their caregivers were around often. This could help them to feel less alone. In addition, if you or the caregivers do fun tasks with your loved one, it could ease their symptoms.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care in Oakwood, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

We provide home care in Flowery Branch, Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.

Sources

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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