If you are able to accompany Dad to the doctor, mention your concerns and describe the symptoms you have seen. Ask if the symptoms you are concerned about could be related to any of the medications your parent is taking. Sometimes, changes in mood are a side effect of medications, and/or can be symptoms of other medical conditions different from depression.
If you can’t be there at a doctor visit personally, arrange to speak to the doctor by phone with Dad’s permission. Another alternative is to hire a geriatric care manager, especially a registered nurse, to accompany Dad to the doctor visit, and ask the care manager to let the doctor know all your concerns about Dad. The care manager can communicate as a professional with the M.D, and then report to you what the doctor recommends.
Symptoms of depression in your senior parent
Loss of enjoyment of things one normally likes is one of the symptoms of depression. Other symptoms can include feeling sad for extended periods, not wanting to do one’s usual activities, loss of appetite, having trouble leaving the house, sleeping too much or not enough, eating too much, difficulty making decisions, steady weight loss, or unusual weight gain, irritability, outbursts of temper which are not normal, and withdrawal from friends and family.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person is depressed. These symptoms are cause for concern that something is going on, and it needs attention.