Are you worried about your senior parent’s mental health? You may have noticed symptoms of depression or anxiety in them and want to get them the support they need. Fortunately, there are programs dedicated to helping seniors with depression and anxiety.
Parkway Place is located in Houston, TX, and welcomes seniors over the age of 65 who are looking for a place to call home. Our care programs include mental health support for seniors and work on easing symptoms through medication, exercise, and several social activities and events. We have independent and assisted living programs available, as well as memory care programs, respite care, and short and long-term rehabilitation programs available.
To start a conversation about our senior care options, call 281.305.1846 today.
Depression in Senior Care
Depression is a common mental health condition in senior living communities. If you are unfamiliar with the symptoms of depression, they include:
- Sadness
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Frequent mood changes
- Trouble sleeping
- Overeating or a loss of appetite
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
- Headaches
Seniors can develop depression in senior living due to isolation, chronic conditions, the loss of a loved one, and other common concerns. Treating depression and anxiety is possible through a combination of medication, exercise, and participating in social events.
Parkway Place is a full-service senior living community that welcomes Texas seniors who want to make the most out of their retirement. We combat depression in senior care by taking the time to get to know each resident and create a comprehensive care program that includes medication management and a wellness plan to ease any depressive or anxious symptoms.
How to Support Seniors with Depression and Anxiety
There are many ways that you can support senior adults with depression and anxiety. Senior communities offer a number of programs that can reduce depressive symptoms and help them feel less anxious. Here are a few tips on how to support seniors with depression and anxiety:
Preventing Isolation
Loneliness is a significant problem for many seniors and can cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Senior living facilities will encourage residents to participate in book clubs, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and lively debates to ease their symptoms and create a fun-filled routine.
Participate in Social Activities
Another way we prevent depression in senior care is by hosting daily social events and weekly outings. This can include:
- Arts and crafts
- Board and card games
- Educational programs
- Happy hours
- Movie nights
- Dance classes
Many senior living communities will have a full-time activities director who will plan daily social events, weekly outings, and other fun things to reduce depressive or anxious symptoms.
Start an Exercise Program
Joining a gym is a great way to beat back depression and anxiety. Senior living communities will have a fully functioning gym with state-of-the-art equipment and a trainer who will create an exercise program based on your current activity levels.
Nutrition
Nutrition has always been used to treat depression and anxiety symptoms and can reduce the need for certain medications. You should have a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean meats, like salmon or chicken. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 can help you feel better and boost your immune system.
Call Parkway Place Today
To learn how we can improve mental wellness in seniors, fill out our online form or schedule a tour and consultation by calling 281.305.1846 today.