Although my father is in an excellent rehab facility, his depression is worse and it is interfering with his progress. While he refused to take anything to treat his depression in the past, he agreed to begin taking an antidepressant. Unfortunately, they don't work immediately and can take even longer to work in the elderly.
Before he fell this last time, he told an OT who treated him at home that he was going to take his gun and kill himself. He tells the rehab staff in the evening to not come into his room unless they have a gun and plan to shoot him.
We did ask that he see a psychologist and according to his day nurse he agreed to see him and to talk to him. He had his first visit today.
I am so grateful that the staff at rehab realizes that depression in the elderly is not a normal part of aging and is doing their best to treat it.
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