Author: Homage
About Homage
Homage is an award-winning personal care solution that combines curated and trained
care professionals with smart technology to manage and provide on-demand holistic
home and community-based caregiving to seniors and adults, allowing them to age and
recover at home with grace, control and dignity. Since 2019, we are operational in Klang
Valley, Johor, Penang and Perak. Homage has over 500 fully trained and curated local
caregivers, nurses, and therapists on board with a comprehensive range of healthcare
services including personal care, nursing services, and rehabilitation therapy. Families can
engage our services through a simple-to-use mobile app for as short as an hour care visit
or have a free Care Consult via phone with our Care Advisors to find out more.
To find out more about Homage and their services, please visit www.homage.com.my.
Almost half a million Malaysians experience depressive symptomology. Find out how we as caregivers can identify depression and support our loved ones.
Mental conditions are expected to be the second-highest health issue to affect Malaysians after heart disease.
Depression is a medical condition that negatively affects the way we feel, think and act. The cause of depression can be due to a multitude of factors but it is preventable and is definitely not a normal part of ageing. Without proper treatment, depression can severely affect our day-to-day functioning and lead to a range of emotional and physical problems.
Besides medical intervention, there are other measures we as caregivers can take to help our loved ones prevent and cope with depression:
Lead an active lifestyle
Endorphins are our bodies’ “happiness maker”. They are chemicals produced by the body to relieve stress or pain, and boost happiness. Exercising releases these endorphins in our body, making us feel positive. With regular exercise, it can even help fight depression and lift moods.
Social activities, such as community yoga and tai chi, can be doubly beneficial. Besides being a mood booster, group exercises can prevent social isolation – a risk factor that increases the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms among older adults.
As family caregivers, we can join in these activities which are commonly found in our neighbourhood care and support group together with our loved ones. While we keep depression at bay, we are also giving our bodies a good workout.
Build a support system
Loneliness is a common risk factor for depression and other health conditions.
Caregivers must understand that mere physical presence does not equate to companionship or support for their loved ones. Even for those living together with their loved ones, dedicating time to interact and engage our loved ones is necessary for relationship building.
One way we can support our loved ones with depression is to have a support system where family and friends are there for them on a regular basis. When interacting with them, it is also important to practice compassionate listening by encouraging them to open up and speak about their concerns, making it clear that you are there to actively listen without judgement and will always love, support, and be there for them.
Entrust them with a responsibility
Whether it is managing the care of a pet or simply watering the plants, entrusting our loved ones with a meaningful responsibility can help them rediscover their sense of purpose in life, which has proven to have a positive impact on mental health and well-being.
This can also take the form of picking up a new hobby they are interested in. Through setting and achieving these milestones in their learning journey, our loved ones can feel a sense of accomplishment, which helps in coping with depression. Social pastimes, such as chess or line dancing, can even have the added benefit of reducing loneliness and social isolation.
Encourage them to seek treatment
The social stigma against mental conditions may prevent individuals from recognising and seeking treatment for depression. This mindset is more prevalent in the older generation who grew up in an age where people with mental conditions are shunned due to a lack of general understanding of mental conditions, with many believing that people with mental conditions are dangerous or cursed. While it may be difficult to shift their mindset and convince them to recognise the need for treatment, this is an essential step towards their recovery.
Start by gently presenting the idea to them. Have an open discussion and help them connect the dots about their symptoms and recognise that they may have depression. Once they have come to terms with the diagnosis, make an appointment with a therapist or psychiatrist so they can seek professional medical advice and get the care they need in a timely manner.
Consider home care
Depression can make getting out of bed feel like a chore and stepping out of the house an uphill task. Unwilling to leave their homes, these seniors may be unable to seek help and neglect their personal care.
Professional caregivers who are trained and understand their condition thus become a reliable source of help. Through home care, these seniors can receive the help and support they need in their activities of daily living. Furthermore, by visiting these homes, caregivers and nurses can identify issues and triggers that may contribute to the depression and advise suitable treatment accordingly.
Self-care always comes first
Caring for a loved one with depression is never an easy task. Having a good understanding of depression and interacting with other caregivers who are caring for someone with depression are useful ways to help caregivers better navigate their caregiving journey.
If you feel overwhelmed, try taking a step back and have some respite from caregiving. Take some time to recharge by reconnecting with friends or engaging in relaxing activities such as going for a run. One simple relaxation exercise you can do anytime is to sit in a quiet space and take deep, slow breaths for a few minutes.
Most importantly, do not feel guilty when you take time off to do something for yourself. Always remember that to have the capacity to care for someone else, you need to take care of yourself first.
If you are looking for support in caring for a loved one with depression, Homage can help. Feel free to chat with the Care Advisor team at 016-2992188.