Helping your senior loved one maintain a positive and upbeat attitude can take work because this stage of life is often characterized by change and a pervasive sense of loss. However, encouraging your loved one to adopt the right mindset can turn the golden years into a time of joy, gratitude, and personal growth.
1. Encourage Social Hobbies
It’s important for seniors to find new ways to fill their time whenever changes in mental or physical health render former activities impractical. Not only do hobbies keep senior minds active and focused, but they also encourage social engagement.
Your loved one can join a quilting or book club, volunteer, take part in dance classes at the local recreation centre, or participate in many other activities. Learning new things while forming new social connections can make life feel brighter and full of possibilities.
If your loved one needs a boost in his or her emotional wellbeing, the companionship of a caregiver may be the perfect solution. In Barrie, homecare 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.
2. Provide Caregiving Solutions
Getting older can be overwhelming for some seniors, especially when handling day-to-day responsibilities with limited mobility and decreased energy. Regularly talk to your loved one about his or her quality of life, and try to identify areas where he or she needs assistance. For instance, if it’s no longer possible for your loved one to prepare healthy meals, talk about hiring a home caregiver to provide assistance with meal prep. Solutions like these give aging adults the ability to maintain their independence and autonomy without having to sacrifice their quality of life.
Home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
3. Stay Connected
Too much time spent alone can be depressing. Check in with your loved one on a regular basis and try to schedule family activities that bring everyone together. This is vital for ensuring your loved one feels valued and appreciated, and it also gives your family the chance to take full advantage of your remaining time together.
4. Suggest Volunteering
Nothing can promote a major shift in mindset like volunteering. Volunteer work often gives seniors the chance to meet people who are facing challenges far greater than their own. Signing up for a few shifts at a local clothing or food bank may give your loved one a sense of purpose, and it can also make him or her more appreciative of the resources and abilities he or she possesses. This is also a great way for your loved one to form positive social bonds that limit the likelihood of isolation.
5. Discuss Transportation Options
The ability to drive has long been associated with independence and freedom, and it isn’t easy to hand over the car keys once changes in cognition, response times, and mobility make it difficult to drive safely. Discussing alternative transportation options can limit the impact this change has on your loved one’s life. For example, your loved one can secure reliable transportation from a caregiver. Having a sure way to get around can be both empowering and uplifting, and it also gives your loved one more opportunities to maintain a healthy social life.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Barrie, ON, Home Care Assistance is a trusted name in respite and hourly care. Our caregivers are available around the clock to assist seniors with bathing, transportation, medication reminders, exercise, and much more, allowing families the time they need to focus on other important responsibilities or just take a break. If you need professional care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at 647-970-3803.