![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=b5baa79d-c056-4aaf-ab0d-f047bec394fe)
Depression in the Elderly
July 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment
Depression hits all of us at one point or another. Under normal conditions, we find a way to overcome it and move on with our lives. However, when faced with an illness, especially one that is either terminal or disabling, life can be especially hard to deal with. Seniors are at a high risk of severe depression and suicide when they are faced with an illness or their spouse is suffering from it. There may be no other family or other support around. This can take a toll not only their emotional health, but their physical health as well.
“According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans over the age of 65, 2 million have full-blown depression.”
No Help Sought
Only a small percentage of seniors who are depressed, get help. Depression in elderly is often overlooked and here are some reasons why:
- Some assume that depression is a normal symptom, because of aging.
- Many elderly are isolated, with no one around to notice.
- Doctors focus too much on physical symptoms, that they do not look at the emotional health.
- Some seniors feel shame, or are reluctant to tell anyone else about their feelings.
Risks
There are risks involved if a senior is unable or unwilling to get help.
- Alcohol or prescription drug abuse
- High mortality rate
- Suicide and sometimes,homicidal behavior
Causes
- Loneliness or isolation. This can be caused by loss of driving, a smaller circle of friends because of death, families living far away or lack of family presence.
- Reduced sense of purpose because of physical limitations or retirement.
- Fear/Anxiety over financial or health
- Death or loss of loved one
- Medications. Some medications can have an effect on emotions,increasing depression or triggering it.
Clues/Symptoms
- Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
- Hopelessness/helplessness
- Anxiety/Worries
- Memory Problems
- Irritability
- Lack of interest
These obviously, are only some of a long list of potential symptoms. If your parent or loved one is just not acting like “themselves”, this usually is an indicator that something is wrong and might be worth looking into even if they are found to be completely fine. Like they say, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Treatment
There are various psychological and medical treatments available for seniors. Even something simple as having pets for seniors can make a difference.
You can find more information about treatment options and symptoms at helpguide.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=c93ac07a-c0ce-402f-9d97-68c7a8791cf0)
Federal Long Term Health Insurance
July 15, 2008 By Leave a Comment
For those that are active members of the military or federal employees, there is a federal long term health insurance plan available. In the private sector, long term health insurance can be quite costly and not realistic for many middle class families. There are may be many restrictions and options not available with some insurance companies. The federal long term insurance plan offers some flexibility and the option to customize your plan.
Eligibility
- Federal Employees with positions that allow them to be eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program.
- Members of the U.S. Postal Service who are also eligible for the Federal Employees Health Benefit Program
- Active Duty for more than 30 days, including National Guard.
- Active Reservists (Not inactive)
- Tennessee Valley Authority employees
- D.C. Government employees, first employed before October of 1987.
- D.C. Courts Employees
- Navy Personnel Command (BUPERS) NAF employees
Features of the Plan
- Sponsorship by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management
- Backed by John Hancock and Metlife
- Benefits are designed specifically for Federal Family Members
- Competitive Group Rates
- Personalized assistance
- Convenient Payment Options
- Other features available
Types of Care Covered
- Facility only- These include Assisted Living Facilities, Hospice and Nursing Homes
- Comprehensive- The above plus home care
Types of Plans
There are pre-packaged plans and customized plans available.
Plan Costs
There is an online calculator available to get an estimate of what a plan will cost based on the pre-packaged options and the customized options.
Qualifying for Benefits
Once you apply, and are approved. You are eligible for the benefits once a doctor and the the FLTHI program agrees that you cannot perform at least 2 of the 6 activities of daily living: toileting, eating, dressing, bathing, transferring and continence.
You can find more about this and how to apply, plus more detailed and comprehensive information at the Federal Long Term Health Insurance website.
