ChatterBank1 min ago
Depressed Grandparent
8 Answers
One of my Grandparents, I believe, is suffering from clinical depression. They don't leave their house and don't socialise with any neighbours. They have been poorly recently but refuse to visit the doctor saying 'What's the point?'. They also get stroppy when it is suggested that they are depressed - probably that generation I know, but doesn't make it any easier.
Has anyone been in this situation before? What did you do? How did you persuade them that they needed help/help was available?
Thanks for any ideas!
Has anyone been in this situation before? What did you do? How did you persuade them that they needed help/help was available?
Thanks for any ideas!
Answers
Best Answer
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For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.Unfortunately GPs. Community nurses or Social Services won't visit unless your Grandparent is in agreement. It is against the law.
Yes, I have been in this situation on many occasions with an elderly relative. In has been a nightmare. You will have to try different methods.
Don't suggest that they are depressed. Perhaps ask them if they are feeling OK. Try saying that you are very concerned about them because they look so under the weather and you would feel better if they agreed to see the doctor and perhaps get a 'tonic'. Old people were brought up with the idea of 'tonics' being the answer to everything.
You could try making an appointment with your own GP and telling them how worried you are and what they would suggest. Some GP's can be more cooperative than others.
Yes, I have been in this situation on many occasions with an elderly relative. In has been a nightmare. You will have to try different methods.
Don't suggest that they are depressed. Perhaps ask them if they are feeling OK. Try saying that you are very concerned about them because they look so under the weather and you would feel better if they agreed to see the doctor and perhaps get a 'tonic'. Old people were brought up with the idea of 'tonics' being the answer to everything.
You could try making an appointment with your own GP and telling them how worried you are and what they would suggest. Some GP's can be more cooperative than others.
Hi
Thanks for all your answers.
When I suggest he's depressed he says 'he'll behave himself in future' (I think he thinks that we just think he's being grumpy).
The house is kept tidy but as he lives alone he doesn't cook that much for himself.
I'll mention the 'tonic' idea LoftyLottie - thanks. The problem is he really has an issue with 'bothering doctors' - even when there is something physically wrong with him. No matter how much I try to convince him that that is what they are paid for, he doesn't like doing it. That being said, he's going to see one tomorrow (he finished chemo a little while ago and he's still very weak from it - another reason he can't get out and about much and this, of course, is making him feel even worse). I told him to ask the doctor when this weekness is going to subside and I think he will. Trouble is, he'll be all cheerful in front of the Doctor so they don't stand much of a chance of picking up on it!!
Thanks for all your answers.
When I suggest he's depressed he says 'he'll behave himself in future' (I think he thinks that we just think he's being grumpy).
The house is kept tidy but as he lives alone he doesn't cook that much for himself.
I'll mention the 'tonic' idea LoftyLottie - thanks. The problem is he really has an issue with 'bothering doctors' - even when there is something physically wrong with him. No matter how much I try to convince him that that is what they are paid for, he doesn't like doing it. That being said, he's going to see one tomorrow (he finished chemo a little while ago and he's still very weak from it - another reason he can't get out and about much and this, of course, is making him feel even worse). I told him to ask the doctor when this weekness is going to subside and I think he will. Trouble is, he'll be all cheerful in front of the Doctor so they don't stand much of a chance of picking up on it!!
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