Recently I wrote a blog entitled: Transitioning to Life in a Nursing Home.  I outlined the struggles seniors may experience when living in a nursing home.  I also outlined several recommendations outlined in a research article entitled Being a Nursing Home Resident: A Challenge to One’s Identity authored by Maria Riedl, Franco Mantovan and Christa Them.

Today I’m suggesting actions you can integrate into the nursing home life of your loved-one who has entered a home.

According to the American Geriatrics Society, 40 percent of nursing home residents suffer from mild to chronic depression.  Though many homes offer larger rooms, pet therapy and gardens, the move from one’s long-time home, established routine, cherished friends and most importantly, loss of independence, often-times, brings on the onslaught of depression.

Despite its prevalence, this mental condition often goes undiagnosed and untreated.  In many cases, the symptoms are simply written off as a ‘normal part’ of aging or even misdiagnosed as dementia.

Depression can have a biological cause or psychological cause.  As an example, it is estimated that up to 50 percent of people develop depression following a stroke. On the other hand, if the depression is caused by psychological factors, such as a lack of socialization and/or stimulation, social interaction, exercise, being involved in a hobby and talk therapy may be very constructive antidotes.

As many of us will sooner or later experience caring for an elderly family member, here are some actions you can help integrate into the nursing home life of your loved one:

• Encourage social interaction. Being around other people with similar interests and life experiences can be therapeutic.  Ensure the nursing home provides plenty of opportunities for residents to develop friendships and personal connections.  If your loved one has never been socially outgoing, help them start slowly by finding activities they enjoy that are held in a group setting (i.e. sing-a-longs, bingo, darts, dancing, potlucks, etc.) Even if they don’t interact with the other participants, just being around their peers may help them feel less isolated and develop a sense of community.  If permitted, join your loved one at several events to give moral support.

• Help your loved one find a hobby.  Boredom and lack of purpose in life can contribute to depression. A hobby like gardening or playing cards is stimulating, keeps the brain active and encourages interaction with like-minded people. Most nursing homes have a daily calendar of activities and events for a variety of interests and ability levels. Take your loved one on a tour of a hobby store and walk the aisles. The selection of hobbies knows no bounds.

One of the greatest benefits of a hobby is experiencing the pleasure of working at something interesting, without having an obligation to do it. There are no time schedules or demands for completion; it is something to do for fun. Ask a photographer why he/she enjoys their photographic hobby, and you will hear words such as “It helps me see the world in a different way”, “Hearing the click of my camera shutter is such a wonderful sound”, “When I’m taking photos, time just disappears.”

The following are some hobbies to consider; genealogy, oil painting, folk art, stamp or coin collecting and sculpture. 

As I mentioned in my original article, Transitioning to Life in a Nursing Home, moving into a nursing home is a critical life experience.  To cope, residents need identity-forming interactions as well as support from family members, friends and professional helpers. 

I encourage you to share your thoughts and discoveries.  I encourage you to drop me a note with your insights and suggestions.  Your words of wisdom will be made available to others.  Let’s keep the conversation going!