Keywords
Depression; Family; Older adults; Old age home; Older people; India
Abstract
Aim: To compare the level of depression between older adults residing in an old age home and older adults living with their families in an urban community of Kolkata, India.
Background: The older adult population in India is increasing. Furthermore, with emerging changes in Indian social and cultural values, the older adults are forced to shift from their own place to some institutions/ old age homes. Lack of family support, poor income, accommodation and insecurity may lead to depression, a common disorder in these people.
Method: The data was collected from 200 respondents (100 residing in one old age home and100 living with family). Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess the level of depression.
Findings: The majority of the older adults residing in an old age home experienced severe depression whereas the majority of older adults living with family experienced mild depression. Older adults residing in an old age home had severe depression four times more than older adults living with family. Statistically significant relationship were found between age and level of depression of older adults residing in an old age home and older adults living with family.
Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest the need for exploring factors causing depression among older adults. Nurses and other health care providers should assess elderly for depression, identify factors that are associated with depression and provide appropriate physical, psychological and social support.
Citation
Mahat A. The Level of Depression among Older Adults Residing at Old Age Home and with the Family in an Urban Community of India. SM J Nurs. 2018; 4(1): 1020.