anxiety and depression in elderly
Elderly mother calls all the time?
My mother is elderly and calls her children all the time. Not just daily, but multiple times a day when she can. She’s been doing this since my father died nearly 20 years ago. I think it’s some type of anxiety or depression or maybe a mix of both. It’s getting worse now that she is in her late 80’s. Any suggestions? We can’t all speak to her everyday.
guess I should add some details. She is going into an assisted living facility because she can’t bathe or clean herself after using the bathroom anymore..so girl scout meetings are out of the question. She’s in her late 80’s..very late. My sister lives near her and I do not nor do my other siblings.
In a nutshell, your mother is lonely. Her husband was her occupation and caring for him was how she perceived her value in life. She needs another occupation to keep her busy and restore her self worth.
Simple things may help. She sounds like she’s still able bodied. Perhaps she can open her home for social gatherings. Host a browning troop for their meetings (this can involve her recounting stories of her past for the troop and the troop may be able to get her involved in some of their projects). Contact a senior center and see what they suggest to help your mother get connected to something meaningful in her life.
A lot of people define themselves by their jobs. If they lose their job you’ll find they become lost and may fall into depression. Your mother is going through something similar.
Kill the weak, mentally ill and elderly… “DEPOPULATION”
