A senior’s emotional wellbeing is just as important as his or her physical health. As a family caregiver, you have the task of keeping your elderly parent in good spirits and helping him or her manage hardships and daily stress. Below you’ll find ways to meet your loved one’s emotional needs and the benefits of each strategy.
Offer Reassurance
Seniors experience various changes as they age, such as decreased memory, vision, and cognitive health. Losing control of these things could lead to anxiety, which is why you need to offer reassurance. The emotional security you provide for your parent can help him or her manage the effects of aging. Instead of worrying about things he or she cannot control, your loved one will be able to look to you for security and encouragement to take up healthy habits that increase independence and boost cognitive health.
Professional caregivers can help older adults make healthy lifestyle choices that can stave off conditions such as anxiety and depression. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional senior care, Montgomery Home Care Assistance should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
Promote Purposeful Activities
Your loved one will need to take up hobbies that can bring him or her joy and provide a sense of accomplishment. Without these things, your loved one could feel depressed, and his or her health could deteriorate rapidly. Promote meaningful tasks and hobbies your loved one can take on despite his or her physical or cognitive challenges. Base these projects on your loved one’s strengths and preferences, as opposed to choosing activities he or she dislikes or cannot handle. After completing a task, your parent can move on to the next goal. When your loved one finishes an activity, offer praise to boost his or her self-esteem. Maintaining confidence is essential, and it can enhance emotional wellbeing.
Give Plenty of Attention
The elderly crave attention from family and friends, whether it consists of daily phone calls, regular visits, or special gatherings during the month. Giving your loved one the attention he or she craves could boost his or her mental and emotional wellbeing while reducing the risk of conditions like chronic stress and depression. Prioritize time for your loved one each week, and devote those hours to his or her emotional needs. Taking the time to share stories, ask about his or her day, or take him or her out to enjoy a fun activity could boost your parent’s emotional wellbeing.
For families living in Montgomery, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Acknowledge Your Loved One’s Feelings
Acknowledge when times are great for your loved one as well as when situations are complicated. You must be there to help your parent sort things out and offer the encouragement he or she needs. Seniors deserve respect from their family caregivers, no matter what mental or physical challenges they face. For instance, if your parent is living with a condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s and experiences hallucinations, acknowledge those false perceptions and look for ways to calm his or her emotions. Seniors don’t want to feel belittled or unworthy, and failing to recognize your loved one’s feelings could increase his or her frustration and affect his or her quality of life.
Older adults need to prioritize their emotional wellbeing to maintain a high quality of life as they age. Elder care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If your loved one needs professional home care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at (334) 593-3988 today.