Is Your Loved One Depressed After A Stroke? 3 Tips To Choose A Skilled Nursing Home That Meets Their Emotional Needs

5 December 2018
 Categories: , Blog


Stroke survivors often experience periods of fluctuating emotions, and depression is a common issue that arises during recovery. While some emotional changes can be attributed to the stroke causing physical changes in the brain, others simply reflect your loved one's need to find support during their transition to a new lifestyle. For someone who was once independent, trying to rely on others or realizing that they cannot do certain things anymore is frustrating. As you look for a skilled nursing home that can help your loved one regain their health, you can use these tips to find one that is adept at meeting the emotional needs of stroke survivors.

Inquire About Opportunities for Socialization

After a stroke, socialization becomes even more important because talking to others helps to lift your loved one's mood, and it gives them a chance to practice their oral language skills if they were affected. However, your loved one's depression may cause them to need a little extra nudge to get out there and mingle. From helping seniors to call their loved ones on a video chat to hosting shared meals, your loved one should have multiple chances to connect with others.

Look For Accommodations and Support for Greater Independence

A loss of independence is a big contributor to post-stroke depression. No one wants to feel like a burden, and your loved one will only grow more frustrated if they do not see themselves making progress. As you tour the skilled nursing home, look for signs that seniors are provided with plenty of assistance to develop greater independence. For instance, ramps may be included along with stairs in common areas, and you should see rails along the walls near areas where seniors need extra support walking. 

Observe the Staff's Demeanor and Rapport With Patients

When the staff genuinely loves where they work and the seniors who live there, then you can be that the cheery attitudes will rub off on your loved one. Spend a few minutes watching for signs that the staff engages with the patients. For example, you should see things such as a nurse offering support to someone who is working on a new skill, and the staff should refer to each senior by name. Smiles and a general sense of overall happiness are excellent signs that your loved one will naturally pick up on the joy and hope that resonates through the facility.

Whether your loved one has a long road to recovery or just needs a short boost, having the support of skilled caregivers helps them emerge from their depression and find life worth living again.


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