Depression and Treatment in Low-Income Senior Housing Residents: Results from the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit

Depression affects up to 26% of low-income senior housing residents in the United States. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to analyze the factors associated with depression (race, gender, marital status, subjective memory, falls, care challenges, and antidepressant use) in 186 low-income senior housing residents. Additionally, rates and factors associated with antidepressant use were explored.

This is a descriptive correlational study.

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 was collected as part of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit questionnaire to determine depression. Structural equation modeling using the AMOS statistical program was used to determine the factors associated with depression and antidepressant use.

Most residents were Black (70%) and female (76%), with an average age of 78 years. Twenty-one residents (11.3%) screened positive for depression. Prior falls, care challenges and male gender explained 13% of the variance in depression. A total of n = 19 (10.2%) residents were taking an antidepressant. White race was the only predictor of antidepressant use and explained 7% of the variance in antidepressant use.

All residents, but particularly men, those who have fallen in the past year, and those who have care challenges, should be screened for depression and treated. Treatment should be monitored for effectiveness in promoting healthy aging for low-income senior housing residents.

Community health nursing services are needed in low-income senior housing settings to screen and treat residents for depression to support successful aging in place.