Clinical or major depression increases the odds of premature death, self-harm, and devastating effects for the person and their family. Seniors who have developed this mental illness need consistent care to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Managed care addresses concerns and fears they may have and present them with healthier coping mechanisms. Find out more about how senior communities can help individuals with clinical depression.
A Positive Environment
A person’s mindset dictates how they view themselves and the world, and a senior that closes themselves off from everyone could become depressed. Loneliness and isolation can lead to clinical or major depression, and the longer they remain in this environment, the more likely the senior will remain in this depressed state of mind. An assisted living community in Odessa, TX offers a positive environment that might change their mindset and make them happier.
Chances to Make Lasting Friendships
In senior living communities, residents have chances to make lasting friendships. When treating clinical depression, counselors recommend setting up a support system, and seniors who have a support system where they live get through episodes and major depression symptoms. Friendships between residents are vital for keeping everyone in a positive mood, and these individuals can encourage and motivate each other to stay healthier.
Help When It’s Needed
Seniors with clinical depression do not have to suffer alone without anyone to turn to when living in assisted living homes. The communities have a full staff of caregivers, and residents have access to counseling services to help them manage their mental health. At the onset of symptoms, a licensed therapist can come to the community to offer help. Residents talk out their issues and find a resolution through counseling services, and mental health professionals provide medications to control symptoms. Immediate access to help during a mental health crisis is critical.
Careful Medication Monitoring
Seniors who live in assisted living communities have caregivers who monitor and dispense their medications carefully. Doctors send orders for the residents based on the medications they need each day, and if a resident has clinical depression, they must take antidepressants on a regular schedule to manage symptoms and give them a better quality of life.
Seniors who have also been diagnosed with dementia need medications to slow the progression of the disease and reduce their symptoms. A combination of advancing dementia and clinical depression can lead to imbalances, mood swings, and dangerous behaviors for the individual. These residents will also need memory care for seniors, and a senior community can fulfill these requirements and keep the residents safer.
Opportunities to Exercise
Exercise increases the production of feel-good hormones dopamine and serotonin, and seniors who exercise often have a higher daily release of these hormones. In independent living communities, everyone is encouraged to live a more active and healthier lifestyle. Some communities have exercise rooms or full gyms filled with equipment that is safe and recommended for seniors, and if they exercise more frequently, seniors can lower the frequency of their depression symptoms. They can also improve their health and well-being in a short time.
Addressing Dietary Concerns That Increase Depression
Dietary changes improve clinical depression symptoms, and residents in senior communities receive meal preparation services. Doctors suggest a diet that includes fruits, fish, vegetables, and fiber-rich grains for anyone suffering from clinical depression. These individuals should avoid processed meats, all fried foods, candy, refined cereals, and pastries. If they consume a high-sugar or high-fat diet, these foods could exacerbate their symptoms, make them unhealthy, and increase their symptoms. Switching to a healthier diet improves the body and makes the person feel better, and they experience a better quality of life.
Monitoring Behavior Patterns and Immediate Responses
Caregivers are with community residents every day, and these workers know when the resident’s behavior changes dramatically. Careful monitoring for residents determines when the residents need mental health services to manage their illness and when a crisis will likely happen. Since the workers see the seniors daily, they can respond quickly in a crisis, get the seniors the healthcare services they need immediately, and avoid serious risks.
Providing Lovely Homes for Seniors
At Orchard Park of Permian Basin, we offer a lovely community for seniors whether they need assisted or independent living opportunities. In our community, all residents feel welcome and comfortable enough to cultivate lasting bonds with new friends and caregivers, and our staff helps individuals who are experiencing clinical depression. Come to our community for a private tour and see how wonderful our community is.
