A MODEL OF NURSING CARE FOR A PATIENT WITH DEPRESSED ELDERLY – CASE STUDY

Elderly depression is affecting an increasing number of patients, especially those with a history of somatic diseases such as past stroke, cancer and others. Elderly patients are more likely to focus on the somatic symptoms of depression, reporting multiple dysfunctions, which is also associated with a higher risk of suicide than in other age groups. The issue of elderly depression in the light of the most recent literature on the subject is described in the age group of 65 years and above and is one of the most serious health problems related to with mood disorders, given the frequency of distribution throughout life. This case study presents the multitude of care problems that can occur in any patient with depression in old age. Self-care deficit, social isolation and withdrawal, difficulties in establishing contact, cognitive processes disorders, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, increased risk of committing suicide are the problems to be solved in which the patient needs the support of nursing staff. Properly planned and implemented nursing interventions will allow the patient to return to independence and assume social roles more quickly.