Aging and Aging Parents Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. I am an only child and live hundreds miles away from my parents. One parent is very depressed and doesn't want to seek help and the other, although still in relatively good health, is older and becoming more frail. I can't pick up and leave my job to take care of them but want to help as much as I can. I suggest you begin by being candid with your parents about your concerns.
Depression is a serious illness and can be treated.
You need to stress that depressive illness does not have the negative connotation that it once did. Every state has a Department of Aging which can provide the names of social service agencies that are nearest to your parents. There are also private care managers who have specific expertise in the area of geriatrics and who can provide more specific services. If your parents have a religious affiliation there are social services agencies specifically for people of Jewish, Catholic, and other religious and ethnic backgrounds. It is very useful to get a full assessment by someone who can provide a care plan that would identify needs and services.