Tips for Promoting Mental Wellness in Seniors Receiving Home Care

By Your Health Magazine

Mental well-being is an essential part of our health and wellness which becomes more important as we grow older. Maintaining mental wellness is challenging as we age, because of social isolation and lifestyle changes. According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 14% of 60+ individuals suffer from cognitive disorders. Feelings of loneliness and levels of stress elevate in elderly people which results in declining of their brain functions.

Prolonged feelings of isolation and stress cause various mental health problems such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These illnesses make elder individuals unable to perform their daily tasks. There is an Australian government funded program, “Support at Home” to provide support for elderly to stay independent in the comfort of their homes. The home care support programs improve the quality of their lives.

In this article, we will walk through the practical tips to promote mental wellness for aged-at-home individuals. The practical tips for promoting seniors’ well-being by care management individuals are:

Encourage Social Interaction

Loneliness has negative effects on the mental state and physical health of the individuals. Social relations play a crucial role in the general well-being and improving cognitive abilities of elderly people. Social engagement leads to a feeling of being connected and valued. Caregivers should plan and schedule trips to come and visit or set a virtual meeting. They should also encourage their participation in local community events, senior group tasks, or any volunteer-related activities.

Support Physical Activity

Physical activities benefit the mind and body of people of all age groups. Mild walking, exercise, or yoga reduces stress or anger and improves mood. Providers of home care services can help seniors to do activities that match their preferences and abilities. Activities, such as gardening or light dancing can add some fun to their daily life.

Stimulate the Mind

People should take part in sports and other kinds of exercises that keep their brains active. Solving puzzles, reading, and learning new skills stimulate cognitive abilities. Some games enhance memory, which includes memory games, painting, or writing. These hobbies can be encouraged by caregivers to ensure that age-at-home people remain emotionally stable.

Prioritize Good Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for mental health. We should consume foods that are low in fats and sugars. It is recommended to consume lots of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while avoiding processed foods with high sugars. Food-sharing with friends and family members during mealtime makes the process more enjoyable. The caregivers should address these benefits to the elderly people to improve the quality of their lives.

Foster a Sense of Purpose

Everyone wants to feel purposeful in what they are doing. Caregivers can engage seniors in simple activities or projects that they find interesting and meaningful, for example, reading, knitting, baking, or writing letters.

Practice Relaxation Strategies

We should take time to use the breaks to unwind which avoids pressure and stress. We should start using mindfulness techniques such as taking time to meditate, breathing deeply, and walking in the park. Moreover, a few minutes of cuddle time with a pet, or even listening to music can be beneficial to coping with anxiety. Care management teams can incorporate any of these activities in elderly people for their well-being.

Be Attentive to Mental Health Changes

Everyone should be aware of symptoms that could lead to something serious, hence open communication between recipients and caregivers is important. Old persons should be encouraged to express how they feel, and this should be followed by seeking assistance from in-home aged care professionals.

Celebrate Achievements and Milestones

Encouragement of the performance brings positivity. When our loved one finishes a puzzle or learns a new task, we should celebrate these accomplishments. Celebrating small wins and milestones creates a sense of self-worth which can be developed in age-at-home people by celebrating their various milestones towards their well-being.

Maintain a Routine

Scheduled tasks of the day are perceived as a positive approach because consistency provides comfort. Caregivers should establish daily routines such as physical, mental, and social activities for the recipients to make them feel more in control.

Bottom Line

Mental wellness is all about the little meaningful actions and connections; activity and purpose are three important aspects that can improve the quality of life of seniors. Home care providers should focus on these activities to nurture the minds and souls of the recipients to improve their well-being.