Mental Health Awareness is crucial. At Sonas Nursing Homes, Prioritising open conversations about emotional well-being is central to our compassionate and holistic approach.
Consequently, residents often navigate significant life changes, such as adjusting to new environments or new health needs. Their emotional well-being remains a key focus. Therefore, our commitment is to cultivate an environment where staff understand, address, and actively support mental health with dignity. We work within the highest standards of Irish care to ensure our residents feel respected, heard and valued.
How We Promote Resident Wellbeing
Our comprehensive strategy for Mental Health Support in Elder Care is rooted in the National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland (HIQA). It focuses on creating a positive living environment:
- Social Inclusion and Community: Loneliness can cause low mood. To counter this, we offer meaningful daily activities, communal spaces and structured programmes. These are designed to foster friendship, engagement and a continuing sense of purpose.
- Physical and Cognitive Activity: Encouraging mobility, tailored exercise and cognitive stimulation (such as puzzles, music and reminiscence therapy) is a proven way to support overall mood and mental sharpness.
- Person-Centred Care: Our team takes time to understand each resident’s life history, preferences and personal goals. Specifically, we use this information to design a care plan. This plan actively supports their unique psychological and developmental needs in a familiar, comforting way.
- Staff Awareness & Training: We train all staff members to communicate sensitively and observe changes in behaviour or mood. Thus, a professional and listening ear is always available.
Recognising the Signs of Low Mood
Low mood and clinical depression are genuine, treatable conditions that affect older adults. Our role is to provide a supportive environment and facilitate access to necessary clinical services.
For this reason, our team is vigilant in observing for indicators such as:
- A persistent change in mood.
- A noticeable loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyed activities.
- Significant changes in sleeping or eating patterns.
- Increased irritability, restlessness or social withdrawal.
- General fatigue or unexplained physical complaints.
When we note changes, our care team follows established protocols. They promptly liaise with the resident, their designated GP and their family. This process ensures timely professional assessment and intervention.
The Value of Therapeutic Support
Access to therapies and psychological support is invaluable for residents who may benefit from specialised mental health interventions. While external, qualified professionals (such as those accessed via the HSE or private practitioners) provide this support, Sonas is committed to facilitating this process.
These supports can effectively help residents:
- Process grief, loss, and life transitions with professional guidance.
- Develop effective coping strategies for new challenges.
- Manage anxiety and symptoms of depression.
- Maintain emotional resilience and a positive outlook.
Fostering a Culture of Compassion and Community
At Sonas Nursing Homes, our dedication to exceptional resident experiences is recognised. We were proud to have won the Best Customer Experience – Healthcare Award 2025 and the Outstanding Contribution to Care of the Elderly Award, a testament to our team’s dedication to compassion, respect and dignity in all areas of care, including mental well-being. For more information on HIQA’s National Standards.
We believe that providing the highest quality of Mental Health Support in Elder Care means fostering a true sense of community and providing a place where every resident thrives. You can read more about life in our homes on our website.