Aged care counsellors represent a vitally important support role for the elderly. Many in their twilight years have a lot to contend with, such as personal loss, illness and mental health issues like depression. Counselling courses teach you everything that’s required - including how to spot the signs of depression in seniors.
In order to provide counselling support to an elderly person - who may, in fact, not want you to notice - you first need to know they have a problem. As they say, forewarned is forearmed, and when you know what to look for, those signs are much more noticeable. So let’s take a look at a few of the symptoms.
A Number Of Obvious Warning Signs In The Elderly
It’s understandable why some seniors get depressed, as many may struggle with losing loved ones, chronic illness or plain old loneliness. The symptoms of depression are sometimes confused with those presented by cognitive issues like dementia, so it’s always wise to check with the patient to check their state of mind if any of the following signs are present.
- Poor concentration in day-to-day activities
- A loss of interest in things they usually love doing
- A continuing lack of appetite leads to weight loss
- Untypical outbursts of anger
- A lack of quality sleep
As you’ll learn in counselling courses, anything out of the ordinary should alert you to something wrong. It might be a coincidence, but it may not be, so staying vigilant is wise in these circumstances.
Overcoming The Stigma Of Mental Issues
What you have to remember when working with the elderly is that they grew up in a very different time when the world was very different. Counselling courses will give you the knowledge you need to help when issues are diagnosed, but they won’t teach you what attitudes towards mental health were like back in the 50s and 60s.
While the stigma hasn’t completely gone in the 2020s, it was far worse 50-60 years ago when issues like depression were viewed as something of a shameful stigma. It’s why so many people of a certain age aren’t keen to open up, as they think it makes them seem weak or lacking in backbone. As a counsellor, it’s your job to tell them otherwise.
Affordable & Engaging Video-Based Training From Online Courses Australia
Depression is just one of life’s many challenges, and as an aged care counsellor, you may be helping seniors overcome them and enjoy a better quality of life. Thanks to affordable, engaging video-based counselling courses from OCA, getting the skills and knowledge you need into rewarding fields like aged care mental support has never been easier.
You should evaluate your career aspirations and identify the specific skills and knowledge required to select the most appropriate educational pathway that aligns with your goals. This will ensure you are well-equipped for a successful career in aged care.
Our online short course Counselling Advanced is CPD-approved training, created with industry experts who know precisely what's required when working in this sector. This Micro-Credential may be a great start to your early career with easily digested, modular video-based courses that make learning a stimulating and enjoyable experience; visit us at www.onlinecoursesaustralia.edu.au today.
You’ll also see a selection of flexible payment options that make our training accessible to everyone. However, should you require some advice or guidance before enrolment, call us today on 1300 611 404, and we’ll do everything we can to assist.
