Menu
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With this national campaign in mind, let’s address the topic of depression. First, we’ll look at the facts surrounding the condition. Then we’ll look at the ways that assisted living mitigates depression risks for older-adult residents.
Depression is a common mental health issue that can affect anyone of any age. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting more than 264 million people.
Depression is not a normal part of aging, but 10-20% of older adults suffer from the condition.
Depression in seniors can be associated with a variety of factors, including chronic illnesses, loss of a loved one, social isolation, and financial difficulties. Older adults are more likely to experience physical limitations and disabilities, which can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, leading to depression.
The following are risk factors associated with depression regardless of age:
Depression is more than just feeling down or going through a tough time. It’s a mental health condition that requires medical attention and understanding. However, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of awareness, stigma, and the misperception that symptoms are an expected part of aging.
Depression can significantly impact the overall health and well-being of older adults.
Common symptoms of depression include:
● Persistent sadness
● Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
● Changes in appetite and weight
● Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
● Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
● Fatigue
● Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
● Difficulty thinking or concentrating
● Unexplained physical problems like headaches or back pain
● Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Recognizing these signs is crucial, as early detection can lead to more effective treatment.
One or more of the risk factors mentioned earlier may be at play for seniors who reside in assisted living facilities, including physical limitations, chronic illness, social isolation, and loss of independence. The transition to assisted living can also be challenging, as individuals may struggle to adapt to a new environment and routine. Studies have found that up to 30% of nursing home residents may experience depression.
With the risks of depression known and understood, the staff of quality assisted living facilities work hard to offset those risks and provide what their residents need to live full and happy lives.
As people’s physical capabilities decline, visiting with others and participating in activities of daily living takes more effort. Assisted living facilities are set up to make life easier for older adults and to provide ways for people to get together. Easy-entry showers, grab bars, single-level floors, and elevators all help residents live as normally as possible. Meeting rooms with tables, cozy cafes, in-house restaurants, great rooms with fireplaces, and large patios make it easy for assisted living residents to access each other, talk, and engage.
Although people in assisted living facilities are sometimes far from friends, family, and communities, planned daily events help keep residents active and interacting with other people. Meeting new people, doing fun things, learning new skills, and building relationships are all things that help offset social isolation, loneliness, and depression.
Assisted living communities provide companionship with age mates and peers. Instead of feeling like they don’t fit anywhere, seniors now enjoy camaraderie and connectedness with others who share similar experiences, memories, and struggles. At this stage of life, many older adults have lost spouses and are now alone. Being part of a residential community in which others have lost spouses and relate to each other’s pain goes a long way toward providing comfort and offsetting depression.
Adults in assisted living facilities live secure in the knowledge that if a fall or an accident happens, competent care is a button-push away. Knowing that staff members such as caretakers, activity directors, dining room servers, and nursing help will notice if they’re missing from lunch or therapy or an event helps seniors to not worry. Feeling cared for and noticed gives residents a sense of significance that helps reduce depression.
Medication management and individual or group therapy sessions help people in assisted living settings who suffer from depression.
With proper treatment and support, older adults in assisted living communities can manage depression and even overcome it. Being in a supportive environment with the companionship of peers, satisfying activities and pursuits, and the attentive care of facility staff can help residents live happy, stimulating, and connected lives.
If an older adult you know is expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, it’s critical to take their words seriously. Contact their healthcare provider immediately. In urgent situations, call local emergency services or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call 988) or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Never leave a suicidal person alone.
