Senior living communities prioritize mental health
Mental health awareness has shifted to center stage for all age groups and communities, shedding light on the once-taboo topic. Today, mental health is widely recognized as a critical component of overall well-being, with individuals, communities and organizations advocating for greater understanding and access to resources.
Retirement communities also are stepping up to provide holistic care that addresses the unique emotional challenges older adults may face. Seniors often encounter loneliness, grief and declining physical health, all of which can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.
A 2023 report by the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, reported the urgency of addressing these issues, stating that the “mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.”
Marjorie P. Lee, a senior living retirement community in Cincinnati, exemplifies how retirement communities can prioritize mental health. With a dedicated team of caring professionals, the community offers a variety of programs and activities designed to promote mental well-being, combat isolation and encourage creative expression. These efforts empower residents to live on their own terms while fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Aligning with the philosophy of positive aging, Marjorie P. Lee emphasizes a holistic wellness approach. The community encourages residents to engage socially, stay physically active and purse lifelong learning. Staff members collaborate with partners and families to enhance residents’ quality of life by addressing mental, physical and emotional needs.
Family members of Marjorie P. Lee residents admire the community’s goal to keep residents’ health top of mind. “I can say as a consumer that our experience with Marjorie P. Lee has been outstanding. My wife and I stopped worrying about her mother’s care the day she moved in,” a family member of a resident said in a testimonial.
The Marjorie P. Lee’s Meyer Family Rehabilitation Center is a standout program advocating for mental health. The center offers comprehensive short-term rehabilitation care through a multidisciplinary team of physical, occupational and speech therapists, along with nurses and social services professionals. This program is available to community members recovering from surgery, illness or injury.
One of the most significant challenges for seniors is combating social isolation. At Marjorie P. Lee, residents are encouraged to take on ambassador roles, help with events, tend community gardens or join the welcoming committee to support new arrivals.
Seasons Retirement Community in Cincinnati also works to prioritize mental health and combat social isolation. “We have various different social events that help combat isolation,” says Elizabeth Bangel-Stehlin, senior director of Sales and Marketing. “It’s very easy to self-isolate so we do a lot of things to bring folks together whether it is new resident welcome luncheons or large-scale activities.”
Seasons also acknowledges that some residents may need additional support to manage mental health challenges. Through a partnership with Supportive HealthCare, it provides access to a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a contracted psychologist, ensuring residents can receive the care they need without leaving their community, something that is vital to the residents’ experience.
