Depression is the most common mental illness seen in primary care practices. Dysthymia is a chronic disorder of a depressed mood that can last daily for at least two years or more. About 25 percent of older adults living in a nursing home who have chronic illness experience some depression. It occurs more frequently in women than in men. The predominant feature of depression is a disturbance in mood. Loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities is a major symptom. Other symptoms include weight loss or gain, increased sleepiness or insomnia, agitation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, trouble concentrating or indecisiveness and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Treatment of depression can usually be done by a qualified primary care provider.

This week, we look forward to attending the Senior Olympics in Lafayette. On Saturday, August 25, our residents will be competing with residents from 20 other area nursing homes. The residents will compete in categories including bean bag toss, horseshoes, discus throw, ball toss and wheel chair racing. Good luck to Andrus Chapman, Betty Jack, Sue Guillory, Nathalie Fontenot, Gary Landreneau, John Chambers, Lisa McLemore, Roland Cloutier and Warren Fontenot. Bring home the gold!