As a person ages, they find themselves dealing with new health issues. When they receive a diagnosis of clinical depression in addition to other medical conditions, managing their health and well-being becomes more of a challenge. This depression may limit their ability to function in social settings and have a negative impact on their physical and mental health.
If a senior appears to struggle with concentrating, making a decision, or remembering details, they may be depressed. In addition, they may have aches and pains with no known cause. It’s best to have this individual see a doctor and determine what is going on. If the doctor feels they are clinically depressed, they will create a treatment plan to help the senior.
A caregiver can be of help in implementing this treatment plan. For this reason, the family may choose to move their loved one to a senior living community. How can this community be of help to the depressed individual?
Companionship and Socialization
Seniors who live alone are prone to depression. They are isolated from others and may feel lonely. When they move to an assisted living community in Los Angeles, CA, they are surrounded by their peers. This provides them with the companionship many seniors lack. In addition, staff members plan activities for those living in the community and will encourage the residents to take part in these activities. The senior may develop a new hobby or begin taking part in an activity they previously gave up. This can help them overcome depression.
Healthy Meals
Many people don’t realize an unhealthy diet can contribute to depression. They might assume that a depressed individual will eat an unhealthy diet because they don’t have the energy or desire to prepare healthy foods. However, Harvard Health reports an unhealthy diet puts a person more at risk of developing depressive symptoms. Assisted living homes often provide residents with meals if they don’t wish to cook their own. Families need to learn whether this amenity is offered when comparing different communities.
Medical Supervision
A person who is in depression may forget to take their medication or find they don’t have the energy to do so. When they move to a senior care community, staff members will ensure they take their medications as directed. In addition, the staff will monitor residents to see if they have side effects from prescribed medications. The staff can then share this information with a resident’s doctor, and make changes where necessary. A person living alone won’t have this ongoing monitoring, which can lead to additional health issues.
Physical Activity
Assisted living communities offer physical activities for residents, which is of importance to those suffering from depression. Research shows people who live a sedentary lifestyle are more at risk of depression. In fact, exercise improves a person’s mood, but a person’s mood doesn’t affect their level of physical activity. Staff members work with each resident to find an activity they can do, taking into consideration each resident’s fitness level and health concerns. This ensures every person living in the community has the opportunity to get the physical exercise they need to remain physically and emotionally fit.
An Independent Lifestyle
Assisted living communities encourage seniors to remain independent as long as possible. While staff members are on hand to help when needed, they want seniors to do as much as possible on their own. The senior doesn’t feel as if they are a burden on their loved ones and they gain confidence when they see they can still manage many parts of their lives without assistance. This helps in fighting off depression.
Many seniors become depressed, as they are dealing with unpleasant changes. They may have lost loved ones, they can no longer do things they enjoyed in the past, and they no longer work. They might feel as if they are no longer a productive member of society. When these feelings lead to clinical depression they need help. Caregivers in an assisted living community can provide this help.
The caregivers provide support and treatment. Reach out to one or more communities today to learn more. We need to arrange this type of living arrangement to improve the senior’s quality of life. It never hurts to learn more.
About Terraza of Cheviot Hills:
Families looking for a boutique-style assisted living community in Los Angeles should visit us at Terraza of Cheviot Hills. Our community offers everything a senior wants and needs in their later years. From a vibrant social calendar to concierge services, our residents have everything readily available to live the lives they desire.
