Aging parents develop depression for many reasons, but clinical depression and major depressive disorder are not the same as just feeling a little sad. The mental disorder leads to health complications and could lead to loss of appetite and significant health declines. Elderly individuals who can no longer manage their own care because of severe mental disorders need the help of a 24-hour caregivers and q quick access to healthcare providers. Read more about activities that help seniors with clinical depression.  

Exercise and Physical Activities Help With Sleep Irregularity

Exercise and physical activities keep seniors healthier, and studies show that seniors who stay active do not experience significant sleep issues. Clinical depression often prevents seniors from maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and some residents might sleep longer during the day.

That doesn’t mean seniors who prefer to sleep during the day have clinical depression, but seniors who are sleeping for longer periods that aren’t following their own preferences might need a mental health professional. In senior living communities, caregivers watch for unexpected changes in sleep patterns that could indicate clinical depression. 

Encourage Seniors to Find a New Hobby They Love 

Friends and the staff in assisted living homes offer encouragement to everyone. Seniors who are treated for clinical depression are encouraged to take on new hobbies that give them more enjoyment and a fun way to spend their time. Hobbies such as arts and crafts are beneficial for these residents and give them a chance to be creative and express themselves. Arts and crafts let residents get involved in a variety of activities and share their skills with others, and seniors who love to paint will enjoy the art classes that the communities offer. 

Plan Community-Wide Social Events

Social events and gatherings help seniors who feel lonely or isolated. Residents with clinical depression need more opportunities to socialize where they feel safe. Some seniors with clinical depression could become paranoid and anxious if they are symptomatic.

Since the events are hosted by the community, the residents and their families are welcome to attend those events, and if their family is present, the seniors feel a little more at ease. In an assisted living community in Walnut Creek, CA, the staff does everything they can to make residents feel safe and secure, and anyone who isn’t a resident or their friends or family cannot attend the events. 

Create Healthier Meal Plans and Encourage They To Eat Well

Healthy eating improves the body and mind, and anyone suffering from clinical depression needs to follow a healthy diet. During periods where they are withdrawn and try to isolate themselves, these residents go from one extreme to another. They may lose their appetite and refuse to eat, or the person might overeat to deal with their feelings. A healthier diet fuels the body and keeps residents nourished, and healthier foods are less likely to make them gain a lot of weight or make them unhealthy. 

Assign a Chore That They Like to Make Them Feel Needed

Residents in a senior community still need to feel as though they are needed, and families might not visit as often as they like. To keep these residents in a positive state of mind, the community staff could assign a chore to the senior that the resident likes to do. If they feel they are the only person who can do this chore, it makes the resident feel like a part of the community and that they have a purpose. 

Encourage Regular Visits With Family

The staff at the senior communities encourage families to visit more regularly when possible. If the community hosts a gathering or special event for the residents, the family is notified to get them more involved. Even if the senior is in respite care, the resident needs to know that their family misses them and wants to spend time with them. Limited visits could become detrimental for residents who have clinical depression. A lack of communication with their family can make any resident depressed, and families shouldn’t let too much time pass between visits. 

Terrific Homes for Seniors

At Tiffany Court, we offer a wealth of activities to promote a higher quality of life for all our residents. Our community hosts social gatherings for residents and encourages everyone to make friends with others in the community, and our friendly staff helps everyone transition through their golden years and all the associated challenges. Schedule a private tour of the community with your seniors and learn more about our terrific community.