eFit – HCP: Depression

Depression is a medical disorder that requires attention. Day after day, depression affects thoughts, feelings, physical health and behaviors. Depression is a frequent problem in older adults. The symptoms of depression in older adults can affect every aspect of life, impacting energy, appetite, sleep and interest in work, hobbies and relationships. Depression is not just “feeling blue” or “down in the dumps”. It is not just being sad after a loss. It is not an ordinary part of aging.

 

15-item Geriatric Depression Scale:
Instructions    eForm    Print Form

5-item Geriatric Depression Scale: 
Link

CCSMH Self-Screen Depression: 
Instructions    Link

Patient Health Questionnaire 9: 
Instructions   eForm   Print Form

Canadian Guidelines on Prevention, Assessment and Treatment of Depression Among Older Adults (Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health):
Guideline
Delirium, Dementia, and Depression in Older Adults: Assessment and Care (Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario):
Guideline

Reading List: Depression in Older Adults

Holiday Blues – Depression Among the Elderly (Long Term Care Link):
Article
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and Seniors (Advocare):
Article
The Guide to Overcoming Holiday Depression for the Elderly and Their Caretakers (American Medical Resource Institute):
Guide
What Alzheimer’s Caregivers Should Know about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (Alzheimer’s Universe):
Article

View the CSAH Lesson on Depression


View CSAH Courses for HCP: Caring for the Older Adult

This series of courses provides a foundation for understanding, recognizing, assessing and managing health care concerns in the older adult.  Each Lesson includes short narrated modules that focus on these four themes.

View HCP Continuous Learning

We share aging-related courses and archived content offered by other leaders in the field of geriatric care.