The detection and prevention of depression in older people

Abstract

Nurses are well placed to detect and prevent depression in older people, especially at times of critical life changes, such as the move to a care home. This best practice statement forms a major part of a national practice development initiative aimed at developing evidenced-based practice in nursing older people. It aims to demonstrate how nurses can begin to work with older people and their families to provide support and prevent the normal responses to loss and grief from turning into clinical depression.