Depression is not a normal part of growing older, yet older adults are at an increased risk for depression.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, depression in older adults is often misdiagnosed and under-treated. It can be mistaken for a natural reaction to an illness, life change or the loss of a loved one.
It is important to identify and diagnose depression so that it can be effectively treated, just like any other medical condition one may experience.
Depression — and tips for recognizing its signs in your loved ones — will be the focus of the next AgingWell Lunch and Learn seminar, hosted by Perry Lutheran Home. Featured speakers will be Nicole Kehoe, clinical social worker with Lutheran Family Service, and Wanda Pritzel, clinical social worker and director of philanthropy with the Perry Lutheran Home.
Both Kehoe and Pritzel have many years of experience in working with adults as they journey through the various stages of aging, including coping with depression.
Discussion topics will cover the signs and symptoms of depression that you will need to be aware of and how to approach the topic of seeking help. Free depression screenings will also be offered following this event.
This free and informative Lunch and Learn event will take place at 12 noon Thursday, March 22 at the Spring Valley assisted living campus of Perry Lutheran Home, located at 501 12th St. in Perry.
To reserve your spot, call Wanda Pritzel today at 515-465-5342 or email wanda.pritzel@perrylutheranhome.org. For a list of upcoming AgingWell Lunch and Learn topics, visit the Perry Lutheran Home website.
Mollie Clark is the director of marketing at the Perry Lutheran Home.
