Senior's Guide to Seasonal Depression

By Faith Protsman, MD, Regional Medical Director, VITAS HealthcareVietnam War veterans face unique obstacles throughout the twilight of advanced illness. For hospice care providers to tailor care to meet the needs of veterans who have served in this theater of war, they must consider the tribulations these patients face as they reach the end of their lives.The Vietnam War era was a very tumultuous time to be a soldier. The United States' prolonged involvement in a war of questionable motivation left society with disdain toward the government and its institutions, especially the military.Coupled with horrific images shown on television, constant controversy was a new reality and negative public opinion formed around this conflict, of which those serving the nation were not spared.Careful consideration is necessary when treating patients facing these traumas.Tours of duty proved to be traumatizing in many ways. Young soldiers, some having just turned 18, were drafted into a war that many of them did not believe in. They were not fighting for love of country and God; rather, they were fighting for survival and out of fear for their lives.Intimate battles in the dense jungle led many to be subjected to the horrors that come with fighting in a foreign land that was only familiar to the elusive guerilla enemy soldiers.Servicemembers did not receive a warm welcome when returning home from Vietnam, often being judged and labeled as cruel and even inhumane.Moral Injury Can Impair Mental HealthThis perfect storm of trauma led to lasting moral injury that plagues many veterans for their entire lives. Veterans returning from the war were marginalized and pushed into isolation, often turning to alcohol and substance abuse, which worsened their anxiety and exacerbated their strife.Questions like Ive never spoken about the war, can I now? Was the war moral or immoral? and Was I a good soldier? come bubbling to the surface later in life as their illnesses intensify and their defenses weaken.Careful consideration is necessary when treating patients facing these traumas.The restlessness that can result from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is often treated with benzodiazepines. In most cases, these medications can bring relief through calming the patient.Yet, there is a common trend amongst veterans who cope with trauma that results in the opposite effect.Benzodiazepines can lower the walls that Vietnam veterans have built up throughout a lifetime of suppressing trauma and negative memories. This class of medications can exacerbate the symptoms of PTSD as traumatic experiences and feelings of regret resurface. Benzodiazepine-induced inhibition of neurotransmission can even lead to agitated toxic psychosis, increased anxiety, hostility, and rage.1The Value of Compassion Along with Clinical CareRemaining considerate does not end with simply staying mindful during the planning of clinical solutions. Providing care for Vietnam veterans requires a high level of empathy.A key to an empathetic approach is taking the time to listen nonjudgmentally. Though seemingly simple, practicing nonjudgmental, open communication with patients facing trauma from war can help avoid the all-too typical responses of Its okay and You did what you had to do.These patients do not need sympathy, because they have been judged enough throughout their lives. When care teams approach them without judgment, they honor the sacrifices these heroes have made.VITAS hospice care provides compassionate care approaches that are tailored to meet the distinctive needs of Vietnam veterans. With the Veterans Administration (VA) offering hospice care as part of its medical package, VITAS team members can provide empathetic psychosocial support, while utilizing clinical solutions that help manage symptoms.The qualifications for veterans to receive hospice benefits include: A life-limiting illness Treatment goals that focus on comfort, rather than curative treatments A life expectancy of 6 months or less, if their illness runs its normal course Veterans also benefit from the option to receive concurrent care through the VA. The VA can provide curative treatments as the patient simultaneously receives symptom-managing comfort care administered by the hospice care provider of their choosing.Offering solace, while remaining compassionate when patients need it most, is too often overlooked in the busy practice of healthcare. Acknowledging the adversity that Vietnam War veterans have had to face throughout their lifetimes and adapting care approaches to meet their needs is the best way for healthcare providers to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for the preservation of freedom.1Paton, C. (2018, January 2). Benzodiazepines and disinhibition: A review: Psychiatric bulletin. Cambridge Core. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychiatric-bulletin/article/benzodiazepines-and-disinhibition-a-review/421AF197362B55EDF004700452BF3BC6

Navigating the world of caregiving services can be overwhelming for family caregivers. Understanding the various types of care available is crucial when planning for the well-being of your loved ones, especially when faced with medical events or chronic conditions. Transitional care and senior care each serve different purposes, and knowing their key differences can help you make informed decisions. A Look at Transitional CareTransitional care serves as a support system during critical phases of recovery, such as after surgery or a severe illness. It bridges the gap between hospital and home, ensuring the smooth transfer of care. Typically, it includes assistance with medical needs such as managing medications, wound care, and physical therapy. Transitional care is ideal for situations where temporary, intensive support is needed to facilitate recovery and prevent complications.Exploring Senior CareOn the other hand, senior care focuses on ongoing support for individuals who require regular assistance due to aging or chronic conditions. This type of care is designed to enhance quality of life and maintain independence. From help with daily activities like bathing and dressing to companionship and meal preparation, senior care covers a broad spectrum of services. It's particularly beneficial for those needing continuous support to manage long-term health issues.Comparing Transitional Care and Senior CareThe primary difference between transitional and senior care is the duration and intensity of support. Transitional care is usually short-term, aimed at recovery and rehabilitation, whereas senior care tends to be long-term and supportive. Transitional care leans more toward medical assistance, while senior care focuses on everyday living. Each type of care addresses specific needs: transitional care aids in recovery, and senior care promotes a stable, independent lifestyle.The Benefits of Transitional CareTransitional care plays a pivotal role in recovery and rehabilitation. By offering tailored support, it helps your loved ones regain strength and resume normal activities. It also significantly reduces the risk of hospital readmissions, ensuring smoother recovery processes. Services in transitional care often include post-operative monitoring, pain management, and coordination with healthcare providers to meet medical needs efficiently.The Benefits of Senior CareSenior care, with its long-term focus, is essential for maintaining health and independence. It emphasizes personalized care plans that adapt to the evolving needs of seniors, offering them the comfort and security of staying at home. The support ranges from routine check-ins to comprehensive care coordination, ensuring the well-being of your loved ones. Personalized attention and the preservation of independence lie at the heart of senior care.Choosing the Right Care for Your Loved OneDeciding between transitional and senior care requires careful consideration. Evaluate the intensity and duration of the support your loved ones need. Assess their medical requirements, daily living challenges, and personal preferences. Discuss these options with family members to reach a consensus that best suits their situation. Consider consulting with professionals who can offer personalized recommendations based on your loved one's specific needs.Learn More About Available Senior Care ServicesUnderstanding the differences between transitional and senior care is essential in making the right choice for your loved ones. Transitional care offers intensive, short-term assistance during recovery, while senior care provides ongoing support tailored to everyday needs. Seeking professional advice can help ensure you choose the best care solutions. At Senior Helpers Fort Collins, we offer expert caregiving services across Fort Collins, Englewood, Littleton, Lone Tree, and Longmont. Reach out to us for personalized care options that enhance the well-being of your loved ones. Questions, please call us at 970-344-6227.

Deciding to move into a senior living community can be exhausting with worry and stress. Some of these feelings stem from the myriads of senior living options available in your local community.        Do you know what to look for in a senior living community?         Will you remember to ask all the right questions?         Is there anything you should be aware of that will impact happiness or standard of living? Finding the right senior living community is a daunting task. This is why many use a senior living advisor to help. We make the entire process easy and stress-free by doing all the work and presenting you with the best options for yourself or a loved one. What is a senior living advisor? A truly dedicated advisor will be with you every step of the way- Literally. Make sure the advisor is going to be with you by your side when you are touring each community. Make sure you ask this question when you speak to choices of advisors, as not everyone does it even though they say they will. We do not -do the intake and send you on your way. That is considered information gathering not top-notch service.Senior living advisors specialize in helping families make senior living arrangements. Their knowledge and experience save you time and worry by doing all the research on your behalf and providing you with a list of best-fit facilities wholly based on your needs.        Your needs are the primary concern:        We respect your budget: How much you can afford and how you pay (such as privately funded, Medicaid, or long-term care insurance.       There is no cost for you for services: Like how real estate agents work, senior living advisors get a commission from the senior living community you or your loved one move into. You risk nothing financially from their services,        They pull back the veil: You could sift through brochures and websites for hours and still be unsure whether a specific location is the right fit. Senior living advisors know all sides of every community in their network and can advise you if a particular community has had violations reported to their state board.        If the person wants to relocate to a new town, the senior advisor can help provide you with the best options in that local area.         We work at your pace: You might be planning a move in a few months. Conversely, elderly loved ones might be discharged from a medical facility and require assisted living immediately. In both cases, your senior living advisor can react accordingly and provide options that suit your immediate or long-term needs based on their knowledge and experience.        You get suitable recommendations:        We offer a trusted partnership: Advisors work with you from the very beginning and continue to help right up until the move-in day. Thats because they truly act as trusted partners who are as interested in finding the best living arrangements for you or your elderly loved one  Do you need a senior living advisor? At Assisted Living Locators of Northern Co/ North Metro Denver, we specialize in matching local seniors with senior living or assisted living communities that perfectly align with living requirements.Our team together has over 40 years of Administrator experience in all levels of Senior Care, with work experience in Independent, Assisted and Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Homes, Marketing, and kindness Contact us now at 970-310-4307 Maureen Walker - Megan Slusser at 970-286-0015 mwalker@assistedlivinglocators.com - assistedlivinglocators.com/noco