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Seniors and Seasonal Affective Disorder

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If you live in the Pacific Northwest, or any Northern state for that matter, you may be familiar with the term Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD can affect the best of us, causing the onset of depression in those cold and dark months throughout the year. Beginning in late fall and continuing on through the winter season, SAD affects our mental health leaving us lacking the energy and motivation to get through daily life.

While SAD affects people of all ages, the symptoms of depression are take a toll on seniors. Caregivers of the elderly may notice an abrupt change in mood in their loved ones, which can lead to a decrease in health. Often caused by darks days and a lack of vitamin D, seniors suffering from SAD may feel the effects of depression including sadness, lethargy, sleep disturbances, and even a fixation with death. It’s important to acknowledge the signs of depression in its early stages in order to properly care for seniors experiencing SAD.

Signs of SAD

Seniors living in Seattle and other parts of the Pacific Northwest are more prone to the effects of seasonal affective disorder. Though it’s often easy to notice the signs of depression, they are not always apparent. If you are concerned about a loved one’s mental health, here are some indications of the onset of SAD:

  • Irritability
  • Increased anxiety
  • Problems with memory
  • Lack of personal care
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feelings of helplessness

SAD in seniors can often affect every aspect of their lives, and many aren’t able to recognize their symptoms. This is why it’s important to address these symptoms and give seniors the help they need.

Dealing With Depression

If your loved one is suffering from the effects of SAD, there are a variety of ways you can help them cope through the winter months to avoid further symptoms or problems that may arise as a result of seasonal depression. Often times, seniors with SAD feel lonely and helpless, and finding a caregiver for your elders may be one solution. Caregivers can provide the help seniors need in accomplishing daily tasks and obtaining a sense of fulfillment in their lives. Additionally, assisted living facilities provide a place for the elderly to connect with others, maintain physical activity, and participate in the things they enjoy. Senior housing offers companionship that can be critical in reducing signs of depression, where providers make regular visits, plan activities, and provide necessary services to seniors.

Let Us Help

If you’re seeking assisted living in Seattle, contact us today for free help and resources to find the right place for your loved ones. As your elder care advisors, we offer extensive research for elderly housing options and personal referral services at no cost!

Written by
Concierge Care Advisors

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Concierge Care Advisors

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Our services are entirely free for families. We are compensated by the senior living community or retirement community we refer to, allowing us to help all families with this important journey at no cost to them.

Boots on the Ground

We thoroughly vet every community and professional we work with, ensuring you receive the quality service you deserve. We set benchmarks that matter and only partner with professionals and communities that meet our high standards.

Personalized Choice

With personal relationships with over 2,200 senior living communities throughout the State of Washington alone, including assisted living communities, retirement communities, and independent living communities, we provide more than 2,000 senior living options.

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You and your loved ones are our focus. From the moment we meet until the day your loved one moves in, we’re by your side every step of the way to ensure your family has the support it deserves. It doesn’t stop there either – stay connected for physician-informed guidance and knowledge to ensure your loved one is receiving the quality care they need.

Expertise Backed by Our Physicians Advisory Board

At Concierge Care Advisors, our team of Certified Advisors is enhanced by the insights and expertise of our Physicians Advisory Board. This panel of medical professionals plays a crucial role in shaping our senior care and transition services, ensuring they meet the high standards of quality and care that our brand is known for. With their guidance, we deliver a more comprehensive range of services, benefiting both families and healthcare professionals.

Our Physicians Advisory Board members actively share their knowledge with our community. They regularly contribute to #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast, where they discuss critical topics in senior care, and publish thought leadership articles on our blog and in industry publications. Learn more about our Physician Advisory Board here

These resources are designed to help seniors and their families make informed decisions about care options, equipping them with knowledge and providing peace of mind regarding senior health and living options. 

Listen to our Physician Advisory Board on #TheSeniorSpotlight Podcast

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