Depression in residential aged care
Why your visits to family members in aged care matter more than you may think
- Author: Hope Aged Care
- First published:
Depression in residential aged care
The impact of family visits on residents’ wellbeing
Depression in residential aged care is a big challenge, and it’s often tied to loneliness and feeling isolated. Unfortunately, a lot of aged care residents deal with this. Family visits can really help lift their spirits and improve their mental health, but when COVID-19 hit and visits were restricted here in Victoria, it made things even harder.
“Many of us felt the effects of isolation during the pandemic, but for our aged care residents, the impact was even more significant. Even though at Hope we maintained family visits throughout the pandemic, visits were necessarily shorter and harder to attend if the family lived outside the restricted zone, leading to a sense of isolation and increased confusion in some cases.”
Depression in the elderly
Family visits and depression
A study called Family visits and depression among residential aged care residents: An integrative review by Josh D L Tan and colleagues (2023) explored the connection between family visits and depression in aged care.
The research found that depression rates among aged care residents can be as high as 58.7%, with social isolation being one of the major contributors. According to the study, 40% of the research reviewed showed a clear link between regular family visits and lower rates of depression.
“It’s not just about the number of visits but the quality of the time spent together. For many residents, even a short visit can lift their spirits.”
Family visits help reduce feelings of loneliness and make residents feel connected to the people who care about them. And this connection can make all the difference in helping them cope with the challenges of ageing, especially when dealing with health issues or the adjustment to living in aged care.
However, the study also pointed out that depression in aged care isn’t just about whether or not family visits happen. Other factors like culture, the resident’s personal circumstances, and the involvement of care staff also play a role.
“But the bottom line is that regular visits from family members have a real, positive impact on the mental wellbeing of aged care residents.”
Loneliness in the elderly
Why every visit matters
While family visits are incredibly beneficial, we also have to remember that not all residents have family who are able to visit often. Some may have lost many of their loved ones, while others have family members who are busy with work, kids, or live far away. This doesn’t mean the importance of visits should be downplayed. In fact, it means we need to stress just how much even the smallest of visits can do.
If you have a loved one in aged care, it’s easy to think, “They’ll be fine; they’re being looked after.” And yes, while their physical needs are being met, there’s an emotional aspect that only personal connections can fill.
“Loneliness and social isolation are very real problems for many older people, and visits from family can help bridge that gap. Even a quick chat, bringing along a family photo, or simply sitting together can brighten their day and help them feel more connected.”
Visiting aged care facilities in Victoria
What we do at Hope Aged Care
At Hope Aged Care in Melbourne and Swan Hill, we understand how vital it is to look after the mental health of our residents. Family visits are important, and we do everything we can to make it easy for families to spend time with their loved ones. But we also know that sometimes, for various reasons, regular visits aren’t always possible.
That’s why we have a range of services and activities to support the wellbeing of our residents. We offer allied health care, which includes professional support to help with physical and emotional health, making sure our residents get the care they need in a holistic way. For families who need a break or are unable to visit regularly, we provide respite care, giving them peace of mind that their loved ones are being looked after.
“Plus, our lifestyle activities play a big role in helping residents stay socially connected and active. From group activities to special events, there’s always something happening to keep residents engaged and provide opportunities for social interaction.”
These activities are designed not just to fill time, but to help fight feelings of loneliness and isolation, and we’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference they can make.
Hope Aged Care Melbourne & Swan Hill
Conclusion
Family visits can have a profound effect on the mental wellbeing of older people in aged care, especially when it comes to reducing feelings of depression. While not every resident has regular family visitors, each visit – no matter how small – can help lift their spirits. But we also know that depression is complex and influenced by other factors, which is why at Hope Aged Care, we offer a range of services to support both the physical and mental health of our residents.
Want to know more about this topic or about how Hope Aged Care tackles loneliness and feelings of depression?