Depression is a common mental health condition that affects people of all ages. However, older adults are at a higher risk of developing depression due to factors such as social isolation, physical illness, and life changes like retirement or loss of loved ones. Therefore, it is crucial to screen older adults for depression and suicidal ideation to provide early intervention and support.

Screening Tools for Depression in Older Adults

There are several screening tools available to assess depression in older adults. Some of the commonly used tools include:

1. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS): The GDS is a 30-item questionnaire that assesses depressive symptoms in older adults. It is a self-administered tool that includes questions about mood, energy, sleep, and appetite.

2. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): The PHQ-9 is a nine-item questionnaire that evaluates depressive symptoms in older adults. It includes questions about feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite and sleep, and suicidal ideation.

3. Center for Epidemiologic Studies
Depression Scale (CES-D): The CES-D is a 20-item questionnaire that assesses depressive symptoms in older adults. It includes questions about mood, sleep, appetite, and social engagement.

These screening tools can help healthcare providers identify older adults who may be experiencing depression and provide appropriate interventions such as counseling or medication.

Screening Tools for Suicidal Ideation in Older Adults

Suicide is a significant concern for older adults who experience depression. Therefore, it is essential to screen older adults for suicidal ideation. Some of the commonly used tools include:

1. Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating

Scale (C-SSRS): The C-SSRS is a six-item questionnaire that assesses suicidal ideation in older adults. It includes questions about the frequency, intensity, and duration of suicidal thoughts, as well as any plans or attempts.

2. Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS): The GSIS is a 31-item questionnaire that assesses suicidal ideation in older adults. It includes questions about suicidal thoughts, behaviors, and risk factors.

3. Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS): The BSS is a 19-item questionnaire that assesses suicidal ideation in older adults. It includes questions about the intensity, frequency, and duration of suicidal thoughts.

In conclusion, depression and suicidal ideation are significant concerns for Older adults, and screening tools can help healthcare providers identify those who may be at risk. These tools can be administered easily and quickly and can help healthcare providers provide appropriate interventions to prevent adverse outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate these screening tools into routine healthcare assessments for older adults to improve their mental health and overall well-being.

Article Provided by:
adapt Integrated Health Care
541-440-3532
www.adaptOregon.org

All too often families and individuals put off one of the most important conversations of their lives and then find themselves in a world of hurt, or worse, not having the capacity to communicate their desires at the end of life. Reasons for this vary, but the consequences end up being the same, others are left making the decision for you, often with long-term consequences for you and those around you.

With this in mind, we should think of starting this conversation as a gift that often brings a sense of connection with those around us. So, the question is how do I or we start such a conversation? The good news is you can start the conversation any way you wish. Perhaps by starting an engaged in conversation with your loved ones about your wishes and hopes for how you would like to be treated in your last months. Perhaps using an event that those around you can relate to might be the starter. Whatever feels right is the way to start and far better than not starting the discussion at all.

Here’s how it started in my family. Years ago, after I had a significant bike accident, one of my adult children asked what treatment I would want if I were tragically

hurt. This question began a discussion with my spouse and our closest family members. The result was a clear understanding of my desires and a document that empowers my family to make these decisions. It was freeing and enabled all of us to speak openly about our thoughts on care and end of-life options.

Try starting with “I’d like to share my hopes and dreams for my last months of life.” You don’t need a goal, it’s an evolution of many conversations. As we age and go through health issues, our sense of what we would like evolves. Your conversations over time or however long it takes should guide you to the following:

• What are my desires for aggressive care and weighing the balance of the burdens of such care?

• Who do you wish to be your advocate for these decisions when you are unable?

• Make sure your advocate will honor your wishes and share your desires even when they are saddened by these turn of events.

• Discuss your financial goals with whom would manage them when you are no longer able.

Often this conversation doesn’t begin because people might be fearful of the outcome of them. It doesn’t matter what you say; it is more important to open the dialog. Remember doing nothing or avoiding this discussion ultimately puts you at risk of having these important decisions made by others often without your input.

In the worst scenario, you hand over these decisions to governmental entities by not finalizing your wishes with those you love. So please start the discussion with those closest to you.

Article Provided by:
Rogue Valley Council of Governments
541-618-7572
www.ADRCofOregon.org