As people age, it’s important that strategies be implemented to ensure they enjoy their golden years as much as possible. Preexisting health conditions, coupled with other age-related factors, can diminish an older adult’s quality of life. Fortunately, the following strategies can boost your senior loved one’s wellbeing so he or she is healthier, happier, and more hopeful for the future.
1. Promote Optimal Nutrition
Elderly individuals may lose their appetites as a result of illness, medication side effects, and cognitive changes. It’s essential that your loved one eat nutrient-dense foods to prevent vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Seniors who develop deficiencies are at risk for bacterial and viral infections, weight loss, weakness, and mood changes, which can diminish quality of life. Healthy eating can ensure your loved one enjoys good health and a positive outlook on life.
2. Get a Pet
Many people think seniors who have pets enjoy a better quality of life. Having a pet may lower blood pressure, boost immunity, provide a sense of purpose, and enhance mood. If your loved one is physically and cognitively able to care for a pet, consider adopting a shelter dog or cat. If he or she is unable to care for a dog or cat, a bird or even a goldfish can still boost quality of life.
If you have a senior loved one who needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care 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.
3. Address Depression
Monitor your loved one’s behavior for signs of depression. If he or she cries more than usual, is sleeping too much or too little, displays changes in appetite or weight, or is unusually quiet, depression may be the cause. Talk to your loved one about his or her feelings, and if your parent reveals he or she is feeling depressed, ask how you can help. In addition to offering your help, make an appointment with your loved one’s physician. Once depression is recognized and treated, quality of life may increase.
4. Encourage Socialization
Social isolation can cause depression, anxiety, loneliness, and sleep disorders. Encourage family and friends to visit your loved one, and plan frequent outings together. Being away from the home or simply spending time outdoors can enhance energy levels, sleep patterns, and mood.
For families living in Barrie, 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.
5. Treat Pain
Many seniors experience chronic pain, which can impair mobility, raise the risk for falls, and lead to anxiety and depression. Make sure your loved one takes all his or her prescribed pain medications. If your loved one experiences the onset of new pain, make an appointment with his or her doctor for a checkup. Once the source of pain has been identified and treated, your loved one may feel better, and his or her quality of life may increase.
6. Maintain a Peaceful Environment
If your loved one is exposed to chaos, loud music or television shows, excessive background noise, constant talking, or barking dogs, he or she may become anxious, which diminishes quality of life. Make sure you provide your loved one with a peaceful and soothing environment to ensure he or she can relax, get restorative sleep, and enjoy quiet time.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Barrie elderly home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at 647-970-3803 today.