Caregivers play an important role in boosting the physical and mental health of seniors. However, it’s just as crucial to provide emotional support to aging adults so they can enjoy a higher quality of life. Here are six ways caregivers can boost their senior loved ones’ emotional health.
1. Plan Social Outings
Having an active social life is an important part of staying emotionally healthy at any age. Schedule meetings with your loved one’s friends, and provide transportation and assistance to attend these meetings. If your loved one doesn’t know anyone in the area, help him or her join social clubs and classes that make it easier to meet others.
Being socially engaged helps older adults ward off depression and enjoy a better life. If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Fort Lauderdale families can rely on. All of our caregivers are bonded, licensed, and insured, there are no hidden fees, and we never ask our clients to sign long-term contracts.
2. Listen to Concerns & Reduce Anxiety
Many seniors experience constant bouts of anxiety because they have so much stress in their lives. Listen to your loved one’s fears and provide reassurance. Instead of dismissing your loved one’s worries as silly, try to offer practical solutions for easing his or her anxiety about health, money, safety, and other issues.
3. Provide Mental Stimulation
Sitting around all day doing nothing can have a negative effect on emotional health. Having things to do and staying busy can be excellent ways to reduce the risk of depression. Try to plan crafts, experiment with different hobbies, and visit new locations. The golden years are a great time for seniors to experiment with games, crafting, and art.
4. Promote Physical Health
The brain and the body are very closely connected, so seniors are more likely to feel depressed and upset when they’re fatigued or malnourished. It’s important to provide plenty of nutritious food and help your loved one get enough sleep. It’s also a good idea to promote physical activity with gentle exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga.
5. Encourage Independence
One of the biggest causes of emotional health issues in seniors is a growing lack of independence. It can be difficult for seniors to stay happy and confident when they feel like they cannot function as independent adults. Help your loved one maintain independence by providing gentle assistance instead of doing everything for him or her. Little things like automated pillboxes, handrails by the toilet, and silverware designed for arthritic fingers can make a huge difference.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Fort Lauderdale seniors can depend on.
6. Use Technology to Encourage Connectivity
Seniors are at great risk for feeling isolated and alone, especially if they’re stuck in bed all day. Help your loved one set up and use technology for social interactions. Being able to video chat with grandchildren, join an online support group for seniors, or email old friends can have a positive effect on your loved one’s emotional wellbeing.
Receiving professional in-home care is one of the best ways for seniors to boost their emotional health. Home care service agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and create a customized senior care plan, call us today.
