At least one in six elderly individuals is affected by depression. This number increases for residents of hospitals and nursing facilities. Depression contributes to disability, medical illness, and health care costs. As the population ages, and the over-85 cohort increases exponentially, the incidence of depression will increase. Depression is not a natural consequence of aging and can be treated effectively.
Treatment is also necessary to prevent a recurrence.
This article studies the effectiveness of maintenance psychotherapy and a combined treatment of psychotherapy and medication in treating depression in the elderly and preventing recurrence. Ryden, Muriel B., et al. Nursing Home Resuscitation Policies and Practices for Residents Without DNR Orders. Nursing facility residents are not always clear about their wishes for life-sustaining treatment. This practice has carried over into the long term care setting and is standard practice unless there is a DNR order.