Nursing Homes Can Cause Depression

Tragically, depression is common in senior care facilities. In fact,

studies show that approximately 30% of nursing home residents are
diagnosed with either minor depression or chronic depression.
Compared to a 7% rate of depression in the general population, that
nursing home rate should alarm anyone looking at this care option.

2. Nursing homes can be depressing

Uprooting a loved one from the familiarity and comfort of the only home they have
known for years can cause depression. Aside from being a huge change, many seniors
fear moving into a nursing home because they see it as a final step before the end of
their life. This is usually true, since they typically do not return to their own home. Living
in a nursing home can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, a primary cause of
poor health among older adults. And for seniors with dementia, removing them from
familiar surroundings has been shown to result in faster cognitive decline.

3. Loss of freedom and independence

Older adults are accustomed to their own routines and it can be hard for them to adjust
to a new schedule in a nursing home. For example, they can no longer choose what they
want to eat when they are hungry. Instead, they are served a set menu at specific times
throughout the day. While a nursing home schedule might be beneficial to your loved
one’s overall health, the loss of freedom and independence can cause them to lose self-
esteem as they are no longer in control of their own life.

Pro: Full-Time Care

As family members age, it becomes increasingly difficult to care for them

ourselves. Busy schedules and a lack of medical training can potentially lead
to declining health in our senior family members when we are not fully able
to care for them. When living in a nursing home, your loved ones are offered
round-the-clock, full-time care by qualified healthcare professionals and
talented doctors.
Nursing Homes Offer Less Personal Care
Studies examining the elder care industry show that under-staffing at
nursing facilities is a national issue. Some statistics highlight that
approximately 90% of facilities operate understrength on a continual
basis. In practice, that can look like a single staff member caring for
dozens of residents.

Nursing Facilities Can Be Neglectful and Less Safe

While chronic under-staffing primarily inconveniences residents,
occasionally it can endanger them.
When nursing homes make the news, this is the most common
reason why. Overwhelmed nursing home employees frequently
neglect to provide residents medication, meals, and even assistance
using the bathroom.