Caring for seniors can be challenging because of the cognitive and physical health conditions they may have. Even experienced caregivers continue to look for new ways to help their loved ones enjoy long and fulfilling lives. If you’re a family caregiver getting ready to care for an aging adult, consider these five ways to boost your loved one’s cognitive, emotional, and physical health.
1. Encourage Drinking Water
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost a senior’s health is to help him or her stay hydrated by keeping a bottle of water handy. Chronic dehydration can worsen several conditions, from gum disease to high blood pressure. Seniors who find it difficult to keep track of their water intake should fill large jugs with water every morning and aim to drink at least eight glasses throughout the day.
Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them attain this goal. Families can trust senior home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living longer and healthier lives.
2. Have Conversations
Many seniors and their caregivers establish strict routines, but you might want to revisit these daily habits once in a while to see if anything needs to be changed. Whenever new health conditions arise or you notice changes in your loved one’s mood, talk about how he or she feels and what you can do to help. Conversing with your loved one can also enhance his or her cognitive and emotional health by reducing feelings of isolation and neglect.
For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on professional respite care. Roseville, CA, 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.
3. Help Your Loved One Adopt a Pet
Even though many seniors want to have pets, it can be difficult for them to care for younger animals. Adopting an older pet that no longer needs much exercise is an excellent way to boost a senior’s quality of life. Seniors who care for pets lower their risk of developing emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. A pet can also give your loved one a reason to move around throughout the day and enjoy the sunshine whenever possible.
4. Start a Diet Together
Sticking to a diet while people around you aren’t on a diet can be difficult. Start a diet with your loved one, and both of you will have a support system and be able to cheer each other on. Always consult your loved one’s doctor before starting a new diet because seniors have unique dietary needs that can change depending on their overall health and the medications they’re taking. As a general rule, most seniors benefit from eating lean protein, whole grains, and leafy greens.
5. Encourage Volunteering
A study funded by the Senior Citizens Bureau found seniors who volunteer have lower rates of stress, anxiety, and other emotional disorders. Even if your loved one cannot leave the house very often, he or she can still find ways to help others. Nonprofit organizations often reserve positions specifically for seniors who would like to volunteer from home by answering phones or writing letters. Seniors can also use skills such as knitting or crocheting to create items for the needy.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of homecare. Roseville families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones’ unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (916) 226-3737 today.