The elderly are a growing population, and as people live longer, the number of aging adults that need assisted living services increases as well. A common misconception about assisted living is that it can only be used by people who are frail or sick. In reality, assisted living homes to offer many benefits for golden-age adults who want to remain independent and engaged with their community but may need assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating meals on their own.
If you’re caring for an aging loved one with mental health issues like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, here are some ways assisted living near Indialantic, FL, can help:
Improve Their Nutrition
One of the best ways you can help your loved one with mental health issues is by ensuring they eat a healthy and nutritious diet. Improvement of the nutrition of your loved one is an important part of their care. Many physical and mental health conditions are affected by a poor diet, so helping to improve their nutrition can have far-reaching benefits. Most assisted living communities have private kitchens, which means your loved one can make their meals. Some families provide care for their loved ones on alternating days or weekends, giving them time off from cooking and other household chores.
Assist With Medication And Other Self-Care Needs
Some family members in their golden years have trouble remembering to take their medications and other self-care needs. If you’re helping your loved one with these things, assisted living facilities near Indialantic, FL, can help with reminders. For example, they might have a nurse who ensures the resident is taking their medication on schedule. They may also provide other services, such as reminding them when it’s time to do activities like going on walks or eating meals, which also helps with memory loss and mental health issues in older adults.
Provide The Structure They Need To Manage Depression And Anxiety
A structured environment can help with depression and anxiety. A daily routine can help reduce symptoms of mental health issues, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). This includes setting up regular times for activities like mealtime, sleeping, exercise, and socializing with other residents or staff members. Retirement communities should also provide a schedule for your loved one that includes time for naps or restful activities as needed and set aside some time every day when you will be available to spend with them in person or on the phone.
Offer Activities To Keep Them Mentally And Emotionally Engaged
One of the best ways that senior-friendly independent living communities can help aging loved ones with mental health issues is by offering activities that keep them mentally and emotionally engaged. These types of activities work to improve memory, prevent depression and anxiety, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. They can also help strengthen social connections between residents in order to create a sense of community within an assisted living community.
Senior-friendly communities have many different options for keeping their residents mentally active. Some examples include:
- Bingo (can be played at home or in the assisted living community)
- Community discussions about current events or a book club (can be done anywhere)
- Coloring books (can be used at home or in an assisted living community)
Conclusion
Assisted living near Indialantic, FL, can be a great option if your loved one is suffering from mental health issues. The environment of an assisted living community provides the structure and support that your loved one needs to manage his or her depression and anxiety. These communities also offer activities that keep them mentally engaged in life as well as social interaction with others who understand what they are going through.
