The National Council on Aging reports that one in four adults 65 and above experience behavioral health issues like anxiety and depression. The number confirms that many seniors are dealing with mental health issues, often in silence.
Sun City Center, FL, offers a relaxed small-town ambiance with a large population of active seniors. Despite having access to top-tier healthcare and big city amenities, many seniors are still battling mental health conditions.
Breaking the stigma of mental health in senior living communities encourages those affected to seek help.
Here, we help you understand stigma and older adults. We'll also explore the role supportive senior communities can play in your loved one's wellbeing.
Mental health is just as important as physical health. However, your elderly loved one may not feel comfortable talking about it. Let's cover the top reasons they may stay quiet about their struggles.
Many seniors grew up in a time when people didn't talk about feelings or mental health. So today, even when your loved one feels down, they might say they're fine when they aren't. They could also believe that asking for help makes them look weak.
Mental health problems can show up in ways that look like normal aging. For example, your loved one may feel tired all the time or suddenly start losing weight. They could also experience symptoms such as:
Because these signs seem like just part of getting older, it's easy to miss the warning signs of declining mental health.
Some seniors may be afraid to talk about mental health because they worry about what others will say. They might fear being labeled 'crazy' or feel embarrassed about not being able to control every aspect of their emotions.
The fear then influences them to pretend everything is okay, and they may not ask for help even when they need it.
Supportive senior communities, like Aston Gardens at the Courtyards, value senior emotional wellness. They can help your loved one battle everyday challenges in many ways.
Senior living communities in Sun City Center, FL, encourage open conversations about mental health. Caregivers often do informal check-ins during the following:
These casual interactions help staff notice the slightest changes in mood or behavior.
Mental health issues can be tricky to diagnose, especially in the early stages. However, assisted living Sun City communities have teams with emotional wellness training. It allows them to recognize depression and anxiety, so that your loved one can get the proper support.
Encouraging your loved one to open up about what they're going through can feel uncomfortable or scary. But you don't have to figure it out alone. Senior living staff will guide you on how to have a caring conversation. They can give you helpful tips on things like:
At Aston Gardens, we believe mental health conversations should feel natural. Our resort-style settings make it easy for our residents to open up.
Strong social connections enhance mental and physical health. They're vital for active seniors in independent living, Sun City Center, FL, and even those in memory care.
Aston Gardens at The Courtyards makes social interaction a top priority. We plan fun, meaningful group activities to help your loved one make friends and feel part of something bigger.
Whether they are outgoing or not, they can always find a way to belong and enjoy life. Here are a few ways we build connections:
Making day trips to nearby spots like the Florida Botanical Gardens or Bayshore Boulevard offers a fun change of scenery. They can give your loved one something to look forward to and help them feel connected to the world around them.
When your loved one understands how mental health works, they'll feel more confident speaking up. They'll also be willing to ask questions and get the proper support.
At Aston Gardens at The Courtyards, we empower seniors and their families with the right education. Our community offers simple, helpful learning opportunities, which include:
The tools and information we provide will help you and your loved ones face mental health issues with confidence. You'll also be compassionate and prepared when challenging moments arise.
If your loved one is dealing with memory loss, feeling safe and having structure will be vital for their mental health. Memory care in Sun City Center can ensure their wellness by offering:
Daily life can sometimes feel disorienting for your loved one with memory loss. At Aston Gardens and the Courtyards, we offer a personalized routine for our seniors.
Our employees will review your loved one's past life rhythms and use them to build a comforting daily schedule. Such a kind of familiarity ensures they feel safe and confident, even when in a new environment.
Breaking the stigma of mental health is the first step towards achieving a better quality of life. Choose a supportive senior living community to give your loved one access to tailored support. Have open conversations with them about their mental health with help from experts, to beat the stigma.
Aston Gardens at The Courtyards prioritizes holistic wellbeing for seniors using the Dimensions Health and Fitness Program. Our friendly and caring staff will offer all the support your loved one may need when dealing with mental health challenges.
Contact us to take the first step towards better senior mental health.