#BellLetsTalk – Depression in the Elderly
Today is #BellLetsTalk awareness day – an open conversation about mental health. At Menno Place, we are aware of the impact of depression among the elderly, particularly as they experience multiple losses in their lives.
Depression among seniors is a result of “factors such as loss of control and independence as the result of illness and/or disability, loneliness, and lack of social support” – Fact Sheet: Depression Among Seniors, Canadian Psychological Association
It is critical to remember that depression is NOT the unavoidable fate of older age. Statistics say that about 15% of older persons over 65 report significant levels of depressive symptoms.
At Menno Place, we seek to reduce depression in elderly seniors by providing a full social calendar of recreational opportunities; spiritual care including Bible Studies and one-on-one pastoral care visits; friendship care through one-on-one visits; medical intervention as recommended by a doctor; music therapy; bus trips and so much more.
Depression in elderly seniors can be difficult to detect. The symptoms of depression such as sleep problems, feeling fatigued and lack of energy naturally occur in older adulthood.
The Canadian Psychological Association suggests several psychological approaches that are particularly useful for people who are unable or unwilling to take antidepressant medications:
- Cognitive-behaviour therapy helps individuals with depression become aware of how thoughts influence mood and behavior, and learn to correct negative ways of thinking in order to alleviate depression.
- Interpersonal therapy helps the depressed person cope with current stresses and challenges in interpersonal relationships – in particular in the context of conflicts, grief and bereavement, changes in roles, and social support.
- Problem-solving therapy helps individuals with depression develop effective problem-solving skills to cope with current difficulties, such as managing a health condition or adjusting to living in a nursing home.
- Reminiscence therapy helps individuals with depression re-evaluate personal memories in order to rediscover a sense of worth and life coherence and meaning.
These psychological treatments are safe and effective alternatives to medications for mild to moderate depression, with combined drug and psychological treatment often used for complex cases
For the past 2 years, Menno Place has been pleased to participate in providing an immersion exercise for the Family Systems: Advanced Marriage and Family Therapy course (CPSY 616) for the Masters of Arts Counselling Psychology degree at Trinity Western University. This involves setting up two one-on-one interactions per student with an elderly senior who lives on the Menno Place campus to increase the student’s understanding of issues faced by the elderly.
Our participation in this course has supported professor Martin Bartel in bringing into focus the issues elderly seniors and their families face.
With this involvement in educating future Family Counsellors, Menno Place is bringing the issues of mental health and family dynamics into the conversation. Our goal is to provide support in the area of mental health for elderly seniors and their family now and in years to come.
Karen Baillie Elected Vice-President for BCCPA
The BCCPA is pleased to announce that Karen Baillie, Menno Place CEO, has been elected as our new Vice-President. Baillie is now slated to become the next President of the BCCPA. The next AGM will be held in conjunction with our Annual Conference being held in Whistler on May 29-31.
“It’s great to have someone with Karen’s experience and background take over as our new vice-president,” says Elaine Price, President of the BCCPA. “Under her leadership our organization is poised to build even further on the incredible momentum we have generated over the last few years.”
Baillie is the Chief Executive Officer of Menno Place, a campus of care operated by the Mennonite Benevolent Society in Abbotsford, British Columbia since 1953. Menno Place serves more than 700 seniors with a staff of 600. Karen has more than 35 years experience in geriatric care including executive and senior management positions in administration, staffing, resident services and nursing.
Prior to joining Menno Place, Karen served as the Executive Director of Laurel Place in Surrey and at Vancouver’s first campus of care, Haro Park Centre. She also participated in opening St. Vincent’s Langara in 1991 for Providence Health Care. Karen began her leadership in the residential care sector in a 30 year-old family-owned business which operated three small care homes.
“This is an incredible honour for me to be in a position to lead an organization I feel so passionately about,” says Baillie. “The BCCPA has a proven track record of being an extremely positive influence and catalyst in helping to shape the future direction of BC’s continuing care sector.”
Baillie has worked extensively with non-profit Boards and with private ownership facilities. Her association with the BC Care Providers began in 1980 when it was organized as Pri-Care. She is currently the vice-president for the Board of SafeCare BC. She is also the recipient of the 2015 Chapter Award for Distinguished Service for the Canadian College of Health Leaders, BC Lower Mainland Chapter. In 2011, Karen was awarded the prestigious Surrey Women in Business Award in the Professional Category.
As Vice-President, Baillie automatically assumes the role as Chair of the Governance Committee. The Committee is tasked with the responsibility of recruiting new board directors for the BCCPA.
“We are always on the lookout for members who are interested and willing to contribute back to the sector by volunteering on our board,” says Baillie. “Anyone interested in joining the BCCPA Board next year should reach out to us as soon as possible.”
Family and Friends Network – January 14
Come and join us to discover how family and friends can be supported and involved in residents’ lives at Menno Home and Hospital.
Thursday, January 14th, 2015
1:30 – 2:30pm
Menno Hospital Chapel
We are looking forward to seeing you!
Facilitators:
Dan Janzen – Social Worker
Ruth Neufeld – Social Services
