Quitting smoking is essential for a senior’s health. However, one of the biggest challenges encountered by those who quit is keeping their minds off their old habit. Here are five tricks to help your elderly loved one battle cravings while also increasing his or her quality of life.
1. Tackle a Project
Getting involved in creative projects puts seniors in a mindset that makes time fly. There are many different projects your loved one can tackle, depending on his or her personal interests. Quilting, building model rockets, woodworking, and gardening are just a few projects that can keep your loved one’s hands busy until the urge to smoke has passed.
Quitting smoking is just one of the many ways older adults can boost their health. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
2. Create a Sensory Experience
For many seniors, smoking is part of a ritual that makes them feel better. Therefore, they can create a list of sensory experiences to engage in when cravings strike. Rubbing scented lotion on their hands, taking bubble baths, and smelling aromatherapy oils can all give seniors a healthier way to relax instead of smoking.
3. Write a Letter or Email
It’s difficult to smoke and write at the same time, and your loved one can use this to his or her advantage by writing a long letter or email to a friend or family member. Thinking about the things he or she wants to say can transport your loved one’s mind to a different place. This activity may also reinforce some of the reasons your loved one has decided to end his or her addiction.
If your aging loved one needs help managing everyday tasks or encouragement to adopt healthier lifestyle choices, turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of homecare services. Rocklin Home Care Assistance provides professional in-home caregivers around the clock to help seniors live longer, happier, and healthier lives.
4. Go See a Movie
Indoor movie theaters typically have no smoking policies, which makes them ideal places for seniors to spend a couple of hours. Ideally, the movie should be riveting enough that your loved one won’t want to leave his or her seat for fear of missing a critical part.
5. Spend Time with Other Nonsmokers
Companionship is important for a senior who needs support to end a habit that may have spanned decades. For this reason, arranging for your loved one to share a meal with a companion is a great way to help him or her combat the urge to smoke after eating. Instead, your loved one can play games, go for a walk, or just enjoy a conversation that keeps his or her mind off smoking while fulfilling the need for friendship.
For families living in Rocklin, 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. To learn more about our premier in-home care plans, call us at (916) 226-3737 today.