Depression in hospice care is undertreated and misunderstood. The geriatric population have health concerns that increase the likelihood of depression and they are more susceptible to complications that are both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Early intervention by an interdisciplinary team can reduce feelings of helplessness and improve quality of life in the final months of life. The state of Utah has the highest percentage of geriatric patients enrolled in the hospice benefit provided by Medicare. It is a Medicare requirement to incorporate interdisciplinary care to treat the whole person instead of the disease process. The incidence of depression can be more proactively treated through medications, counseling, spiritual care, volunteer support, assistance with activities of daily living care, music therapy, and management of other symptoms the patient is burdened with that contribute to feelings of depression. This project was designed to increase awareness, incorporate all disciplines for multidimensional care, and treat depression through regular assessment and intervention. This project used an educational approach to influence employee education and awareness on the topic of geriatric depression.
