According to a recent article in Home Healthcare Nurse entitled “Diabetes, Depression, and OASIS-C: A Guide for Home Healthcare Clinicians”, among the population 65 years and older, one in six suffers from depression. There was an additional finding that has some serious implications for our aging population. The research indicates depression is higher among adults with diabetes than the general population. In fact, diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from depression. As such, elderly depression in the diabetic patient is a key factor to look out for.
Using the Questionnaire
After other medical issues have been ruled out, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has mandated using a new diagnostic assessment tool. This is a PHQ-9 questionnaire which is a validated instrument used to screen for depression in home care patients with Type 2 diabetes. The questionnaire is an upgrade from a prior one. It measures depressions by physical symptoms of depression as well as the level of interest in activity and mood. With a score of 3 or higher, they refer the patient to a clinician.
Home Bound Elderly and Depression
Depression is especially prevalent among elderly adults who receive home care. Moreover, identifying depression in the home bound elderly and effectively treating it may be key to decreasing their hospitalization rates and associated health and financial costs. This is so important since the effects of depression can send the elderly adult down a path of negative complications. To that end, agencies should use a special Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) to screen for depression in home care patients. Given the study, emphasis should be on elderly depression in the diabetic patient.
Depression Higher in Adult Diabetics
Under the best of circumstances, our senior citizens have increased chronic and acute diseases. Now, with the interplay of diabetes and depression the rate of a host of bad outcomes increases. In fact, the research found that depression in the diabetic patient resulted in higher mortality, cardiac events, hospitalizations, diabetic complications as well as a decreased quality of life. There was a significant difference from diabetics who were not depressed. This would also be true for elderly depression in the diabetic. This is largely due to the resulting combination of events of poor self care, functional impairment and significant nutritional issues.
Depression is Treatable
Elderly depression in the diabetic patient is a very treatable condition. In fact, research shows that 70% to 80% of patients respond well to treatment and good medical care. In order to adequately address this issue, you must consult professionals. The patient must see trained nurses and clinicians and a medical doctor should screen for any endocrine disorders.
Training a home healthcare provider to recognize symptoms of depression will greatly increase the prospect of its treatment. Especially true in Type 2 diabetics and home bound elderly patients where its prevalence is so much higher. Cooperation and communication between all the healthcare disciplines is essential in order to achieve successful diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care. David York Home Healthcare Agency has experience with elderly patients showing the signs and symptoms of depression. We are eager to be an active player in the treatment plan of the total elderly caregiver team.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Helps Seniors in Franklin Lakes
At David York Agency, we understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Franklin Lakes that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (908) 373-5300. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
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