As older adults age, they become progressively more vulnerable to suffering from depression. This risk can be exacerbated due to factors such as chronic health issues, or even experiencing the loss of friends or relatives. Statistically, seven million older American adults experience depression every year. If you have an aging loved one in your family, you may wonder how you can help to prevent your loved one from being part of this unfortunate statistic. Here’s how Statesville, NC assisted living can help your loved one beat depression!
Offering Companionship
Assisted living communities are called communities for a reason. Not only do they make for comfortable living environments for their residents, but they’re also an amazing social environment for their residents. Older adults can be prone to loneliness and social isolation, which can be a concerning risk factor for depression among this demographic. Living in a retirement community can help your loved one stay socially engaged with like-minded, similarly-aged individuals, forging new connections with their neighbors.
Making Life More Accessible
At-home living can be difficult for your loved one when it comes to moving around, especially if they have physical limitations. For example, they may have difficulties in navigating a multi-level home or getting in and out of the bathtub. Additionally, driving can also become a challenge as one ages, which can limit how your loved one can travel. These limitations can lead to feelings of inadequacy which can further your loved one’s risk of depression. Thankfully, assisted living communities are purposefully designed to make life more accessible for their residents, with accessibility features such as grab bars and wheelchair-friendly pathing available. This helps your loved one to confidently enjoy a more independent lifestyle, preserving their sense of freedom.
An Eventful Schedule
Keeping depression at bay is much easier when your loved one is actively engaged, which is why there’s never a dull day in a retirement community! Assisted living communities take fun seriously, which is why most of them offer a jam-packed schedule filled with activities and social events. The positive impact of leisure activities for older adults in reducing depressive symptoms is well-documented, making this one of the best parts of living in a retirement community. Retirement communities usually offer a wide variety of activities, making events and activities available to residents regardless of their interests, abilities, or conditions.
Helping Hands
Unfortunately, relying on at-home care can be difficult, especially if your loved one’s current caretaker has to juggle between your loved one and their other responsibilities. This often instills unpleasant feelings of feeling burdensome and other negative emotions that can trigger depressive symptoms. Moreover, your loved one’s current caregiver might not be qualified enough to maintain their quality of life. On the other hand, assisted living community caregivers undergo rigorous training and are always available to provide support for your loved one. If your loved one shows any warning signs of depression, they’ll also be sure to notice and proactively respond to them.
If you’re interested in assisted living for your loved one in North Carolina, consider our retirement community’s stellar Assisted Living program!
