Supporting an older person with depression at home

Depression in elderly people at home is common but often missed, because low mood, poor sleep and withdrawal get put down to “just getting older”. It is treatable at any age. You can help by noticing the signs, encouraging a GP visit or a self-referral to NHS Talking Therapies, and building regular contact and routine into their week.

At a glance

• Depression is not a normal part of ageing, and treatment works for older people too.
• Adults in England can refer themselves to NHS Talking Therapies without seeing a GP (NHS).
• NHS England notes that fewer older people use talking therapies than other age groups, but recovery rates for older people are strong.
• The Silver Line Helpline (0800 4 70 80 90) offers free conversation 24 hours a day for people aged 55+ (Age UK).
• If life is at risk, call 999. For urgent mental health help, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option.

What are the signs of depression in older people?

Depression in later life can look different from how it appears in younger people. Look out for changes that last more than a couple of weeks, such as:

• loss of interest in hobbies, friends or family;
• low mood, tearfulness or irritability;
• sleeping much more or much less;
• eating less, or weight loss;
• tiredness and low energy;
• neglecting personal care or the home;
• saying they feel a burden, or that there is no point;
• more physical complaints, such as aches and pains, without a clear cause.

Some signs overlap with other conditions, such as dementia, thyroid problems or medication side effects. That is why a GP check is important.

What causes depression in later life?

There is often no single cause. Common triggers include bereavement, loneliness, loss of independence, chronic pain, a new diagnosis, a fall, or moving home. Life events that come together can wear down resilience.

If your parent lives in London, our guide to loneliness in older Londoners covers local ways to reconnect.

How do I talk to my parent about depression?

• Choose a calm moment and say what you have noticed, without judgement.
• Listen more than you talk. Let them explain how they feel.
• Avoid labels if they resist them. “You don’t seem yourself” can land better than “you’re depressed”.
• Focus on feeling better, such as sleeping well or enjoying things again.
• Offer practical help, like booking and going with them to a GP appointment.

If your parent is reluctant to accept any help, our guide on how to talk to a parent about accepting home care has approaches that work.

What NHS help is available?

• GP: can assess mood, check for physical causes, review medicines and discuss treatment options.
• NHS Talking Therapies: free therapy for anxiety and depression. Adults aged 18+ in England can self-refer online by entering their GP surgery’s name on the NHS website (NHS).
• Specialist older adult mental health services: your GP can refer if needs are more complex.

Treatment decisions belong to the GP and NHS team. Your role is to encourage, support and help your parent keep appointments.

How can home support help?

Practical support at home can ease the load that feeds low mood:

• Routine: regular visits help structure the day, with meals, a wash and getting dressed.
• Company: a friendly, familiar face to talk to. See our guide to companionship care.
• Getting out: support to go for a walk, visit a café, or attend a club or place of worship.
• Eating well: help with shopping and cooking, as depression often affects appetite.
• Noticing changes: a regular carer can spot when things are getting worse and tell the family.

As of 2026, visiting care in England, including companionship, usually costs about £32–£34 an hour, though many agencies charge £26–£38 and prices vary by region. Your parent can also ask their council’s adult social care team for a free Care Act needs assessment. Visit our mental health support hub for more on care options.

Looking after yourself

Supporting someone with depression is draining. As a carer you have a right to a free carer’s assessment from the council. Talking to friends, a GP, or a support line such as the Age UK Advice Line (0800 678 1602, 8am to 7pm, every day) can help you too.

When is it an emergency?

If your parent talks about wanting to die, has a plan to harm themselves, or you believe they are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent but non-emergency help, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option. Samaritans are available on 116 123 (NHS).

Frequently asked questions

Is depression normal in old age?

No. Many older people face losses and health problems, but persistent low mood, loss of interest and withdrawal are not a normal part of ageing. Depression is an illness that can be treated at any age. If signs last more than a couple of weeks, encourage a GP appointment.

Can older people use NHS Talking Therapies?

Yes. NHS Talking Therapies is open to adults aged 18 and over in England, with no upper age limit, and people can refer themselves online. NHS England says fewer older people use these services than other age groups, but older people tend to do well, with strong recovery rates.

How can I tell depression from dementia?

It can be hard, because both can affect memory, concentration, sleep and motivation, and they can occur together. Only a health professional can tell the difference. Ask the GP to look at both, and write down what you have noticed and when it started. Our guide to signs your elderly parent needs care may also help.

Can a carer help with depression?

A carer cannot treat depression, but can make a real difference to daily life. Regular visits add routine, company and support with meals and getting out, and a consistent carer can notice when mood dips. This works best alongside NHS treatment, such as talking therapy or medication prescribed by the GP.

Sources

• NHS: Find NHS Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression
• NHS England: How talking therapy can help older people improve their mental health
• NHS: Where to get urgent help for mental health
• Age UK: The Silver Line Helpline
• Age UK: Advice Line
• Age UK: Your mind matters
• Carers UK: Carer’s assessment
• Birdie: Average private homecare rates in the UK

This guide is general information, not financial, legal or medical advice. Last reviewed September 2026.

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 15 October 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.