Depression in seniors creates unhealthy circumstances if families do not act quickly to help them. After retirement, many seniors spend the majority of their time alone and succumb to the effects of isolation, and unfortunately, their families don’t recognize the warning signs immediately. A senior community could provide the elderly with a better environment especially if they suffer from depression. Read more about how these communities help seniors and decrease their depression symptoms.
They Are Not Alone
Seniors living completely on their own could develop depression because they are lonely and don’t see their families as often. Studies show that seniors who do not socialize often succumb to depression and anxiety, and many seniors develop agoraphobia and OCD. In assisted living homes, seniors have plenty of opportunities to socialize and make new friends. Companionship is important for aging seniors and keeps them from feeling alone.
24-Hour Healthcare Services
In senior living communities, all residents get 24-hour healthcare services, and caregivers monitor the residents each day. They interact with the seniors throughout the day to fulfill their healthcare needs and ensure that everyone stays healthy. The staff can manage emergency situations and contact the residents’ doctors to get additional services as needed.
Medication Dispensing and Monitoring
Community administrators get information from the resident’s doctors about their medication schedule and their diet. Caregivers distribute medications according to these schedules and ensure that everyone stays on their medication regimen and remains healthy, and families can rest assured that their loved one stays on track with the care plans. Seniors suffering from depression might receive antidepressants to improve their mood and control their symptoms. Find out more about what an assisted living community in Juneau, AK offers seniors.
Access to Therapy and Counseling Services
Therapy and counseling services are beneficial for seniors with depression, and they can talk to their therapist about how they are feeling and traumas that may still affect their everyday lives. Residents can visit with their therapist in the community, or the staff can provide transportation to the counselor’s office. Mental health care is just as important as physical health and well-being. Seniors who are experiencing issues with depression or related mental issues get help from licensed doctors to improve their quality of life.
Respite Care Opportunities
Families that are providing care for their aging parents need a break sometimes, and respite care for seniors gives them these opportunities. During respite care, the seniors either stay in the community for a few hours or up to 30 days to allow the family to recoup after providing care for many months.
If the aging parent has been experiencing depression, they can get healthcare services to improve their symptoms and learn new coping mechanisms. Depression is prevalent in seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia or terminal illnesses. Families can check with their preferred community administrator to find out more about respite care and how to make these arrangements.
Ending Frustrations With Memory Care Services
After a diagnosis of dementia, seniors can visit a memory care center to learn techniques for improving their memory and retaining more information. As the disease progresses, the seniors experience cognitive decline, and many seniors become depressed as their memory fades and they forget how to do activities of daily life. The staff performing memory care services teach the seniors how to do simple tasks and create reminders such as pictures of everyday objects. They also participate in activities that improve memory and enable seniors to avoid the frustration of forgetting a work or someone’s name.
Making New Friends and Companions
Moving into a senior community places aging parents around like-minded individuals who share the same life experiences. The administrators collect information about the residents when they move into the community to help match them with neighbors that could be exceptional friends. Seniors who share similar backgrounds, life experiences, and worldviews get along better, and they become fast friends. With friends, seniors don’t feel alone and depression symptoms decrease. The new friends can encourage each other to exercise more and participate in more community activities, and seniors who follow an active and healthier lifestyle live longer and have a better quality of life. Friends can keep them motivated and give them the encouragement they need.
Beautiful Homes for Seniors
At Riverview Senior Living, we offer extraordinary homes for seniors who need assisted living or live independently. Our community provides seniors with a better quality of life and plenty of opportunities to meet new friends and participate in fun activities. Find out more about our community through a private tour.