VISITING ANGELS NAPLES, FL 239-561-7600
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How Can In-Home Care from Visiting Angels Help Seniors in Naples, FL and Surrounding Areas Combat Depression?

Learn how in-home care from Visiting Angels makes it easier for elderly and disabled adults in Naples, Marco Island and surrounding cities in Collier County, FL to manage symptoms of depression

Although depression is not a normal part of aging, it affects many seniors throughout Collier County. Untreated depression can make it more difficult to recover from illness or injury. It can also have a negative effect on quality of life, affecting everything from appetite to socialization to physical activity.

Recognizing depression symptoms in seniors and taking steps to improve mental health can vastly improve seniors’ overall well-being. Additionally, caregivers from Visiting Angels Naples can help by providing attentive in-home care and friendly companionship.

Look for Signs of Depression in Seniors

Depression is not always obvious in seniors. Some individuals may experience sadness, while others do not. Instead, they may feel more helpless or hopeless. They might also feel like they're a burden to their family.

The following are common symptoms of depression for aging adults:

  • Memory problems
  • Changes in appetite
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Loss of energy or motivation
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed, like hobbies
  • Complaints about aches and pains unrelated to another condition

If you notice these symptoms, discuss your concerns with your loved one and their doctor. They should be evaluated for depression and receive appropriate medical treatment. Be sure to disclose any current medications because depression can be a side effect of some prescribed drugs.

Make Lifestyle Changes to Tackle Depression

Behavioral adjustments can help your senior loved one improve their mood and lower their risk of depression.

Reduce isolation. Many older adults live alone and may have difficulty getting to and from social events. They may also have a limited number of visitors. Ensure that your loved ones have access to social opportunities and transportation to get there. Help them plan lunches with friends, church trips, community events and visits with family and friends. Remind them how much they enjoy spending time with others.

Encourage physical activity. Exercise improves mood by releasing endorphins. Encourage your loved one to sign up for fitness classes at Naples Family Fitness, go for walks together at the local shopping mall, take them to the pool or try yoga classes. Staying active is also good for our joints, muscles, balance and coordination—all essential for mobility.

Present new activities. Trying new hobbies keeps the mind active and challenges seniors to learn new things. The satisfaction of doing something fun and seeing improvement can be extremely rewarding. They may even make new friends with similar interests.

Consider professional in-home care. Depression can arise from illness, injury or disability. If your loved one needs help with everyday tasks due to an injury or age-related issues, an in-home care provider from Visiting Angels Naples can assist with meal planning and preparation, running errands, light housekeeping, dressing for the day and providing companionship. With Visiting Angels Naples, seniors can maintain their independence and age in place while preserving social ties—which improves their mental health and makes it much easier to manage symptoms of depression.

If you’d like to learn how our in-home care services can help your loved one combat depression, call our Naples, FL office at 239-561-7600 to schedule a free in-home consultation.

Serving Naples, Marco Island, and throughout Collier County in Florida

Visiting Angels NAPLES, FL
999 Vanderbilt Beach Road #200
Naples, FL 34108
Phone: 239-561-7600

Serving Naples, Marco Island, and throughout Collier County in Florida

Visiting Angels NAPLES, FL
999 Vanderbilt Beach Road #200
Naples, FL 34108
Phone: 239-561-7600