Nursing home residents are at a high risk for developing depression and anxiety. This may be caused by the loss of a spouse, family members or friends, chronic pain and illness, difficulty adjusting to the nursing home and frustration with memory loss. Identifying depression and anxiety can be difficult in elderly patients because the signs may be confused with the normal aging process, a side effect of medication or the result of a medical condition. Proper treatment may include medication, therapy or an increase in social support.

It is critical that residents be screened soon after admission, and regularly thereafter, to assess the risk for developing depression. Additionally, there must be a process in place to monitor a resident’s response to any intervention(s).

For quality improvement resources and strategies for depression, please visit the Depressive Symptoms Documents and Links sections.