Conditions · Behavioral health
Depression
Depression in adults with serious illness is common, treatable, and routinely missed. We evaluate and treat it in the home — as part of primary care, not as a separate silo.
How we care for it at home
- A careful assessment that separates depression from grief, illness, and medication side effects.
- Treatment choices calibrated to older adults — many common prescriptions aren't.
- Non-pharmacologic strategies that work in the home, with the family.
- Warm handoffs to therapists and psychiatrists when specialty care is needed.
What we watch for
- Suicidal ideation — asked about directly, checked on regularly.
- Sleep, appetite, and weight.
- Interaction of antidepressants with the rest of the medication list.
- Isolation and caregiver depression, which frequently travel together.
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