We had a really heartwarming result when we connected with the geriatric behavioral psychiatrist that our LO’s memory care recommended.
She recommended small doses of an anti depressant/anti anxiety medication, and saw LO on a regular check in basis.
She was able to give us helpful advice concerning LO’s care and management, kept in touch with me often, and advised the care staff when problems popped up.
Definitely worth a try. Hope you can find someone really good, and soon.
I don't know that many seniors are happy in care. Your Dad didn't enter into MC faciliity to create happiness. It was a move that had to made for his safety and well being. I think throughout a long life there has to have been many times that your Dad was unhappy. I think that often our feelings come and go like weather systems. Sometimes they settle in for a spell and we have a really wet winter.
I am assuming that Dad, if he wishes to has already talked to his doctor. Sometimes a mild anti-depressant is worthwhile to build a bridge across truly depressing times. HOWEVER, not everything in life can be fixed. No one caused your Dads problems and no one can fix them for him. Aging can often be a long process of loss upon loss. And there is no upside coming where we get to reverse it and start getting younger, healthier, in less pain, wiser and in better balance, less prone to illness. I am 80. I know. Losses continue.
This is the long way to say not everything can be fixed. Allow Dad to express himself. Don't negate what he says. Tell him your are sorry he feels low. Ask him if there is anything feasible you can do to help. Ask him if he might like to try counseling or medications. BUT ABOVE ALL, do not then pick up his luggage and haul it around with you. Again, you didn't create this, and you can't fix it and life is full of happiness AND unhappiness.
Dementia often causes chemical changes in the brain; those changes can bring on or worsen depression.
Get a consult with a geriatric psychiatrist. Dad may needs meds; if he's already on an antidepressant, he may need different or an additional medication.
She recommended small doses of an anti depressant/anti anxiety medication, and saw LO on a regular check in basis.
She was able to give us helpful advice concerning LO’s care and management, kept in touch with me often, and advised the care staff when problems popped up.
Definitely worth a try. Hope you can find someone really good, and soon.
I don't know that many seniors are happy in care. Your Dad didn't enter into MC faciliity to create happiness. It was a move that had to made for his safety and well being.
I think throughout a long life there has to have been many times that your Dad was unhappy. I think that often our feelings come and go like weather systems. Sometimes they settle in for a spell and we have a really wet winter.
I am assuming that Dad, if he wishes to has already talked to his doctor. Sometimes a mild anti-depressant is worthwhile to build a bridge across truly depressing times.
HOWEVER, not everything in life can be fixed. No one caused your Dads problems and no one can fix them for him. Aging can often be a long process of loss upon loss. And there is no upside coming where we get to reverse it and start getting younger, healthier, in less pain, wiser and in better balance, less prone to illness. I am 80. I know. Losses continue.
This is the long way to say not everything can be fixed. Allow Dad to express himself. Don't negate what he says. Tell him your are sorry he feels low. Ask him if there is anything feasible you can do to help. Ask him if he might like to try counseling or medications. BUT ABOVE ALL, do not then pick up his luggage and haul it around with you. Again, you didn't create this, and you can't fix it and life is full of happiness AND unhappiness.
I sure do wish you the best.
Dementia often causes chemical changes in the brain; those changes can bring on or worsen depression.
Get a consult with a geriatric psychiatrist. Dad may needs meds; if he's already on an antidepressant, he may need different or an additional medication.