Depression-Older People (1 day)

Feeling ‘down’ is a common experience and Clinical Depression can be devastating for the person concerned as well as those involved with them. Depression ignored can be extremely high risk and a ‘pull yourself together’ attitude is most unhelpful. Older People’s Depression is often fobbed off as ‘just part of being old’; this resulting in inappropriate support being offered or indeed, the person being neglected.

This course aims to provide an overview of the different types of Depression, why people get depressed, the progress of the condition and risks involved. There will be a specific focus of Depression in later life. Participants will reflect on the support needs of the person as well as medical and other interventions.

Learning objectives:

By the end of the course learners should understand:

• What is Depression: The DSM definition
• What the difference is between feeling ‘down’ and being Depressed
• What is meant by ‘Clinical Depression’
• Who gets Depressed:
        -Gender
        -Ethnicity
        -Culture
        -Sexuality
        etc.
• Why people get Depressed:
        -The Medical model
        -The Social model
• What is Reactive Depression:
        -Signs & Symptoms
        -Causation
        -Psychiatric treatment
        -Factors for Older People
• What is meant by Endogenous Depression:
        -Signs & Symptoms
        -Causation
        -Psychiatric treatment
        -Factors for Older People
• What is Bi-polar Disorder:
        -The Signs & Symptoms
        -Causation
        -Psychiatric treatment
• A Social Care response to supporting Older people with Depression:
        -Recognising the need to work cooperatively with the medical professionals
        -The need to appreciate the limitations of our role
        -We can help!
        -How not to collude with withdrawal and lowered motivation
        -The need to resist getting heavy handed
        -How to gently encourage activity and preservation of skills, interests
        -Helping the person to maintain their dignity
        -The risks involved

Training methods:

• Tutor presentations
• Group discussion
• Role play
• OHP/PowerPoint
• Chalk & talk
• Handouts
• Small group work
• Pairs work
• Word shower

CP39/4.9