Depression in Elderly Population in Care Homes

Running head: DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY POPULATION IN CARE HOMES
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Depression in elderly population in care homes
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Abstract
Depression is a mental disorder which is commonly shown through loss of mental
pleasure and interest. It is characterized by a feeling of guilt, disturbed appetite, and anti social
relations mostly in elderly population. It results in low self-esteem, poor concentration, stigma
and aggressiveness. It is not a disorder affecting all the elder population but through the research,
it has been found that most of the aging population experience depression at some time. It is
important to make sure that the aged population is taken care of to make sure that they do not die
of depression. There are some strategies such as guidance and counseling imposed in each
nursing home to make sure that the individuals suspected with depression can be helped. Close
supervision, as well as social interactions with the elderly population in nursing homes, should
be done to make sure that at least they feel well taken care of in order to avoid depression.
Table of Contents
Abstract 1
Introduction 2
The discussion and findings 3
UK policies on elderly population 4
Data analysis 5
Depression effects 6
T-Test for statistics 7
Percentage depression within the elderly care homes8

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Literature review 9
Risk issues affecting the elderly population in care homes 10
Demographic Risk issues associated with Depression in Older Adults 11
Depression medication frameworks 12
Strategies to control the risks associated with depression in the elderly population 13
Promoting psychological guidance health care to the elder population 14
Elder population educational strategy15
Recommendation/research proposal 16
Conclusion 17
References 16
Appendix 17
Introduction
Depression has been found to be common in the aging population. The study carried out
by the CDC states that approximately 7 million of the American elder population experience
depression almost every year. Some of the depressed population goes to the extent of committing
suicide. In 2004, 16% of all death incidents were reported to be as results of depression in the
elderly population (Rogers and Pilgrim, 2014 p.23). Most of the elder populations have health

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problems and therefore they experience high depression especially when they are within their
nursing homes. I chose this topic because it is relevant with the theme of the unit. This topic is
important for identifying the following ways in which the elderly are depressed especially within
in their nursing homes. The depression in the elderly population is widely spread almost in all
parts of the world. One is not able to think that he/she could do when was young and that is why
depression is high affecting the elderly population. At older age one my lost friends and
sometimes family members leading to depression in old age (Bartlett and Sandland, 2007 p.78-
79). Elderly in most of the care homes such as hospitals and nursing homes are experiencing a
high incidence of depression. Some of the mental challenges that elder populations go through
may accumulate within their mind resulting into depression. This is a very serious disorder
especially to the older population having so many negative impacts as it will be discussed in the
report. Depression especially to the elder population makes the affected group unable to carry on
with their daily activities. They always think of how their life used to be during their young age.
Through the research carried out by the NIH, depression is common in the aging population with
medical problems (Winstone, 2015 p.234).
The discussion and findings
UK policies on elderly population
UK elderly population care is the key policy that aims at showing how depression in the
elderly population in their care homes can be reduced. The policy aims at making sure that there
are no risks for key elderly people as well as promoting their health standards. To understand the
main purpose, the policy first will address some of the causes of depression in the elderly

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population within their care homes. The policy defines this by first defining the two terms and
then how they link. The two terms aim at empowering the elderly community more particularly
the key aged population with health problems to able to manage their health and make decisions
about their conditions and health without depression (Leff & Warner, 2006 p 89). They are
important in improving and maintaining the key elderly populations’ health and minimizing
depression. The policy shows what elderly populations are and why they are more vulnerable to
the risk of depression.
Education policy is another key factor that will also show the risk issues related to
depression in elderly populations. This policy aim helps in understanding how health education
reduces the risks of depression in the elderly population. It also promotes self-esteem through
psychological education. The policy address the interventions and strategies the community
nurses can use to make sure that the elderly population in care homes do get depressed of their
conditions. Some of the strategies it will address include; developing accurate, actionable and
accurate health information for helping the elderly people out of the depression. To understand
various ways in which the depressed elderly population can be brought back to normal, the
counseling policy is applied (McMurran & Howard, 2009 p.79). This policy promotes changes in
the delivery of healthcare information regarding how depressed individuals can be addressed,
develop guidance, establish a partnership with the elderly population and change policies
governing them and many others. It will show how each intervention will reduce the risks related
to depression in the elderly and promote their medical health.
Health literacy and education policy is the health education policy designed for the public
or individuals to gain skills, attitudes, and knowledge necessary to maintain, promote, restore

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and improve the health of the elderly and change their mental thinking (Weinstein, 2010 p. 57).
Health education draws knowledge from different sources such as psychology, biology, ecology,
medicine, and other fields. The knowledge prevents depression disorder in the elderly
population, promote the health of people and cure ailments particularly in elderly individuals
within their care homes. Health education policy strives to influence the elderly population
depression behaviors. It teaches about emotional, physical, social and mental health related to the
elderly population from 65years and above (Ewart, Jorgensen, Suchday, Chen & Matthews, 2002
p.339). It provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of understanding depression
risks related to elderly population hence they can prevent them. Mental health teaches
depression, eating disorders and anxiety thus it helps old people from that mental illness and
depression. It promotes awareness and prevention of elderly diseases, social problems/mental
disorders, exercise, nutritional, behavioral and mental health problems. It reduces and prevents
substance abuse, obesity, violence, and injury by the elderly population is attempted to reduce
the depression in their care homes. Health education policy helps elderly people to overcome
health depression disparities by making sure that they have equal access to healthcare services
and wellness resources for social guidance. It influences key government decisions to impact
positively on the aging population so as to avoid depression. It boosts the social relationship
between the young generation and aging individuals by reducing spending on social healthcare
and increase productivity.
Data analysis
In reference to the data given presented by the UNICEF, 67% of the care home
management in the UK have individuals’ capacity to obtain, understand and process health