I secretly wish my elderly father would hurry up and die. (I take care of him full-time) Does that make me a terrible person and how can I stop thinking this?
Dr. Robert Bornstein, PhD answered:
Secretly wishing your elderly father will die soon doesn't make you a terrible person, but it does suggest that you may need help dealing with your thoughts.
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Being a caregiver for my elderly mother makes me extremely depressed. I take medication for depression but it still gets a hold of me. What can I do?
Dr. Robert Bornstein, PhD answered:
Depressed caregivers who take medication should also consider counseling or psychotherapy.
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Is there is a way to have a home psychological evaluation done for my elderly mother who is depressed and anxious but refuses to go to the doctor about it?
Dr. Robert Bornstein, PhD answered:
Depressed, anxious elders are often reluctant to leave their comfort zone, but most doctors won't do an in-home evaluation.
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I began caring for my mother after her stroke. Now I have no life of my own and am very depressed. What should I do?
Cindy Laverty answered:
If you're experiencing depression from caring for an elderly mother after she has had a stroke, here are some techniques to help you get support for yourself.
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My elderly mom has been very depressed, saying that she just wanted to die. I try to help her, but she lashes out and can be so mean. How do I handle this?
Dr. Mikol Davis answered:
Elderly people who are depressed have lost purpose in their lives, become mean and often lash out at others. When anyone expresses their desire to die, it is important to not take this comment lightly.
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My elderly stepfather and mother both have dementia. They have become verbally abusive and paranoid. When Mom gets agitated, she bangs walls, clenches fists and screams. How should I deal with this behavior?
Carolyn Rosenblatt answered:
When both elderly parents have demenita it's a very difficult situation. Seek your doctor's advice to find out about new medication that might control their agitation and verbally abusive behavior.
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My father was just diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. He’s devastated. What can we as a family do to help?
Dr. Mikol Davis answered:
Alzheimer’s is indeed a devastating diagnosis for anyone. Much fear is associated with it.
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How can I help my elderly mother get over the death of her spouse?
Dr. Mikol Davis answered:
Grieving is very individual and can take a year or longer before a grieving elderly person feels a lessening of the sadness and devastion.
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My father is irritable, and has stopped participating in activities he used to love. Is he depressed?
Dr. Mikol Davis answered:
Irritability and loss of interest in activities a person used to enjoy are two symptoms of depression, but there could be other causes for these two problems.
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What are the treatments for depression in elderly seniors?
Dr. Mikol Davis answered:
Seniors generally respond very well to medication for depression.
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