What is the appropriate action if a resident is showing signs of depression?

When a resident shows signs of depression, the appropriate action is to report these signs to the nursing staff for assessment. This recommendation is grounded in the responsibility of healthcare providers to ensure the mental health and wellbeing of residents. Reporting allows trained professionals to evaluate the situation accurately and determine the best course of action for the resident’s care.

Nursing staff are equipped to assess mental health conditions and can initiate appropriate interventions, such as counseling or adjustments in care plans. Additionally, addressing signs of depression is critical because untreated mental health issues can lead to more severe complications, impacting the resident’s overall health and quality of life.

Other options, such as ignoring the signs or encouraging the resident to "cheer up," can minimize the seriousness of the situation and may neglect the resident's emotional needs. Discussing the problem with other residents could lead to breaches in confidentiality and does not provide the resident with the individualized care they require. The focus should always be on professional assessment and care to ensure the resident receives the appropriate support.