Getting older isn’t always easy. Seniors face new challenges in the golden years that can have an impact on their emotional wellbeing. Meeting your senior loved one’s emotional needs is easier when you pay attention to how he or she is feeling and make changes that can help him or her feel happier.
Be Respectful of Changing Roles & Abilities
Family caregivers are often seniors’ adult children, and it can be difficult for some older adults to suddenly have younger family members taking care of their needs. Some aging adults simply prefer to have someone else handle essential care needs, such as bathing and dressing. If your loved one asks for a professional caregiver, try not to take it personally. Respecting his or her views on changing roles can help your loved one feel more comfortable with his or her place in the family.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted at-home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care Fort Lauderdale is here to help.
Combat Vulnerability with Empowerment
Fears and anxieties often rise during the senior years. Your loved one may worry about being taken advantage of by scammers or fear losing the ability to make his or her own decisions. Helping seniors feel empowered gives them a stronger sense of control over their own lives. Look for ways to help your loved one overcome common challenges. Even something as simple as using a dressing aid to button up a shirt can help your loved one maintain a better emotional outlook.
Care for Your Parent’s Physical & Mental Health
Being run down can severely impact a senior’s emotional wellbeing. Just one night of not getting enough sleep can negatively affect your loved one’s mood. Identify your loved one’s physical and mental health needs, and include all of them in his or her care plan. From talking to a counselor to taking medication on time, little things can make a big difference in your loved one’s moods throughout the day.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive home care service. Fort Lauderdale seniors can count on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
Provide Social Engagement Opportunities Outside the Family
Your family plays an essential role in your loved one’s wellbeing, but everyone needs to feel as though they have lives of their own. Find people outside your primary family for your loved one to spend time with on a regular basis. This gives your loved one an outlet for venting, and seniors who get different perspectives from others are often happier. For instance, a new caregiver could introduce your loved one to an activity that quickly becomes a favorite hobby.
Bridge Physical Distance with Technology
Seniors who have active social lives tend to feel better emotionally. Your loved one’s days should be filled with regular personal interactions with caregivers and friends. Have a plan for times when your loved one might not be able to physically interact with other people. Your loved one can enjoy a virtual chat with a long-distance family member or a check-in phone call from someone he or she loves. A few minutes of cheerful chatting can switch your loved one’s mood from sad to happy whenever he or she needs a pick-me-up.
Older adults need to prioritize their emotional wellbeing to maintain a high quality of life as they age. In Fort Lauderdale, in-home care 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. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at +1 754-900-5102.
