Tips to help Fight Senior Depression and Loneliness

Tips to help Fight Senior Depression and Loneliness

As you or other members of your family age, they may face a number of health issues. However, other issues that can affect the risk of early death in elderly individuals is loneliness and isolation. It doesn’t matter if your loved one is currently in an assisted living facility in Arizona or at home, you have to take steps to help them remain engaged with their friends and family.

Engage in Fun Activities with Your Senior Loved One

Whether your loved one is in a community or still at home there are countless activities that you can participate in with your senior loved one. Take some time to listen to their favorite music together, play games and go on outings. It is also a good idea to get their grandchildren involved. If possible, talk with your loved one’s friends and encourage them to visit them either at their home or at the assisted living location as often as they can. This ongoing interaction will help fight feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Find Out About Social Activities at the Senior Living Facility

The assisted living environment today is much different than it was in the past. The majority of locations have an activities coordinator on-staff to ensure there are always fun activities and outings planned. Talk with the staff at your loved one’s senior living facility to find out what is going on and then encourage them to join in, and don’t be bashful about joining in with them as well. In most cases, you will find activities such as dancing, bingo, karaoke, special guest speakers and even outings to shopping malls and parks. These are all great opportunities for your senior to engage with others.

What if They are Still at Home

Unfortunately, many seniors experience feelings of isolation and loneliness as they get older and find it more difficult to get from place to place. Their home which for many is the last thing they have control of and identify with as independence.  Unfortunately, it actually becomes a trap causing isolation and loneliness as the neighborhood changes, friends no longer visit and trips away from the home become less and less frequent. Making the move from their original home to a community can be difficult but the benefits far outweigh the risks associated with staying in their home. This is not to say the first few weeks after a move isn’t difficult for some as change is difficult no matter what your age. The good news is that soon passes and most people find new life as they make new friends and gain new purpose in life each day. Most assisted living communities make sure to help new residents become acclimated to their new environment by greeting them and introducing them to their new neighbors and inviting them to the various activities and programs available. You can also help by visiting regularly, being positive about the community and letting the staff know what kind of activities and games they enjoyed when they were younger. This allows the staff to encourage them to get involved which will lead to their being happier and living longer.

Medical Intervention

It is always important to discuss concerns about depression with your Physican as there are a number of medical conditions that can cause depression from current side affects of their current medications the individual may be taking to, diet, hormones and a host of other treatable conditions that do not require anti-depressants.  But with that said anti-depressants may be needed as undiagnosed depression in the senior population is one of the top conditions in the elderly.

If you want to know more about assisted living, and ways to combat depression visit the A Caring Hand for Mom (and Dad) website and call us at 800-881-7706.