A Family’s Determination Cont. This rapid resolution was only possible due to the support and resources given to Harbor House by donors, volunteers and friends; support and resources that families so often lack. As the family overcame their barriers, the moments of joy, peace and health increased. Shelly said, “Without programs like Harbor House, a lot of people would have no other option. I would not be alive today.” Shelly and her children were able to find permanent housing. On moving day Jessica was by their side, making sure things went smoothly. “It was the best thing to have the staff right next to me, offering me words of encouragement. They went the extra mile.” Shelly said, “We created a family at Harbor House, with each staff member holding a special role.” Together we are providing healing and hope for families and meeting their unique needs.
Depression in Older Adults and The Elderly By Sally Beck, LSCSW
D
epression has become a problem for many adults and the elderly. As we grow older, we face life changes with retirement, losing loved ones, medical problems, and increased isolation. Although we all age, it is important to know the signs so we can make the needed changes to continue enjoying our lives or help our loved ones to enjoy their lives. Knowing the difference between grief and depression is important. Grief involves more than one emotion and goes up and down like a roller coaster, leaving you with feelings of gladness and sadness. Depression feels more like hopelessness and gloom.
Signs of Depression in older adults: · Side effects of many commonly prescribed medications, especially taking multiple medications
· Sleep patterns change – too much or not enough · Feelings of loneliness and isolation, hopelessness and helplessness
· Unexplained or aggravated aches and pains
· Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in people, or most activities, most of the day · Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
· Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness
· Recurrent thoughts of death, recurrent suicidal ideation without a plan, a suicide attempt, or a specific plan for committing suicide Some seniors deny feeling sad, but may complain of lack of motivation or energy, unexplained aches and pains, memory problems, and irritability. They may neglect eating or taking their meds, or skipping hygiene routines.
Causes of depression in the elderly: · Living alone, lack of mobility, including
loss of ability to drive, loss of family members, friends, or pets · Healthy problems, mental decline with dementia or Alzheimer’s, chronic pain · Feeling the loss of identity or purpose due to retirement or limitations · Loneliness · Medications There is no evidence that says after a certain age you are not able to learn new skills; in fact the brain never stops changing so adults are just as able to learn new skills or adapting to change as younger people. So laugh, get exercise, spend time with others, volunteer, learn a new skill, and find the help you need to feel better about your life. Cana Counseling at Catholic Charities is a full-service counseling and mental and behavioral health program with locations and Wichita and Hutchinson. The program accepts Medicare and Medicaid and most commercial insurances, as well as private pay clients on a sliding fee scale.
For more information contact Cana Counseling at Catholic Charities, (316) 263-6941, or toll free at 1-866-4327 or visit CanaCounseling.org.
Winter Wrap-Up Harbor House Needs: - Large diapers - New household linens - Toiletries - New car seats - New duffle/tote bags Donations are accepted Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at 437 N. Topeka St., or email giving@CatholicCharitiesWichita.org to schedule a donation delivery.
Santa’s Workshop gave both parents and children in shelter an opportunity to personally choose Christmas gifts for their family.
Bishop Carroll and Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School students collected over 29,000 food items for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.
