How to Support Your Aging Loved One’s Mental Health

September 19, 2022

A stable and healthy mind is essential in the senior years, as these mental benefits support stronger relationships and clearer thinking and reduce the risk of physical conditions and ailments. With a healthy routine and cheerful surroundings, your aging loved one can maintain robust mental health and increased self-esteem. The more you boost your loved one’s mental wellbeing, the better his or her immune health and anxiety levels will be in the golden years.

Engaging in Physical Activity

From exercising around the home to taking local classes at senior centres or fitness facilities, seniors can boost their mental health by staying active. Physical movement can cause the release of positive endorphins and other natural chemicals that make your loved one feel good. As a result, anxiety levels may decrease, eliminating negative moods and boosting cognitive health and self-esteem.For some families, caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, they can rely on the professionals at Butterfly Dreams Respite Care, a respite home Edmonton, AB families can trust for high-quality senior 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.

Receiving Companionship

Having others to speak to and interact with can increase mental wellbeing. Your loved one can talk with these individuals through challenging times or celebrate milestones and other happy moments. Companionship can lower the odds of depression and keep your parent's brain active regardless of what he or she discusses with a companion. Check on your loved one as often as possible, even if you can only call or visit for a few minutes a day or a couple of hours per week. For families living in Edmonton, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few days a week or just need minor assistance with daily tasks. At Butterfly Dreams Respite Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence in safety and comfort.

Following a Healthy Diet

The foods seniors eat can impact their mental health, especially unhealthy items like cookies, cakes, pasta, and other sugary or high-fat foods and beverages. To boost your loved one's mental health, motivate him or her to eat foods that positively affect his or her attention span and concentration levels. The best foods for seniors to eat to boost their mental health include fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, lean meats, and low-fat items. For example, the fatty acids in salmon and leafy green vegetables can protect the brain and reduce the risk of depression.

Celebrating Achievements

Higher self-esteem can boost physical, emotional, and mental health, which begins with confidence. By celebrating your parent's achievements, regardless of how small they may be, you can increase his or her confidence and reduce feelings of fear. The achievements you celebrate could include a retirement anniversary, good test results from the doctor, planting a garden, or cooking a delicious meal. Try to praise your loved one after he or she completes a large project or a simple task.

Getting Adequate Sleep

All seniors should try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night, which could enhance their cognitive skills, memory, and learning abilities. Inadequate sleep can negatively affect overall health. To ensure your loved one gets adequate sleep, try to create healthy bedtime routines. For instance, your parent should avoid eating heavy meals two hours before bed. Instead, suggest having a light snack. Turn off lights in the bedroom and surrounding areas and ensure no loud noises or other distractions prevent your loved one from sleeping comfortably.Families who find it difficult to care for their aging loved ones without assistance can benefit greatly from professional respite care. Edmonton, Alberta, family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties can turn to Butterfly Dreams Respite Care. Our caregivers can encourage your loved one to eat well, exercise regularly, get plenty of mental and social stimulation, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. Call us today at 587-800-4822 to learn about our high-quality respite care services.