Helping seniors think about what they are thankful for can significantly affect their general health and quality of life. As people get older, they might have health problems, lose loved ones, or be forced to change how they do things daily. When this happens, it can make them feel alone or cut off from the world around them. To help them reframe their feelings and focus on gratitude, loved ones will need to be patient and rely on a strong support system with home care assistance.
Helping Seniors Be Thankful
It’s important to encourage seniors to think about the good things that have happened in their lives. One way to do this is to suggest they keep a thankfulness journal to write down things they are thankful for daily. This practice can help them notice the big and small blessings they have every day. In addition, encouraging socialization is key to reducing their risk of depression. If they don’t have many friend relationships, they may be able to join groups aimed at seniors’ needs or start a new hobby where they meet new people. With home care assistance, they also have socialization built in and someone else encouraging them to leave their comfort zone. When they begin to share with others, it leads them down the path of gratefulness for their blessings.
Encourage Seniors to Live in the Moment
Help seniors live in the present by teaching them how to be aware. Show them how to do easy breathing exercises or lead them through meditation sessions. Mindfulness can help seniors become more aware of their surroundings, enjoy the beauty of everyday life, and find gratitude in the present moment. It’s also important to show them how much they mean to the family. Loved ones should discuss this need with other family members to ensure everyone makes an effort. As seniors receive thanks, they will naturally lean towards thankfulness.
If family members live far away, they can write a letter or video call with seniors to communicate their care and gratitude. This is another way of increasing socialization as well since these conversations can be repeated regularly.
Suggest Activities That Make Them Feel Good
Seniors’ home care assistance team and loved ones can discuss activities for seniors that make them feel good. This isn’t necessarily focused on physical health – it’s more about mental health. A great example is encouraging them to volunteer, which can give them a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Seniors can look for ways to use their skills and knowledge, helping them feel grateful when they see how much they can help others.
Another way seniors might feel good is if they share memories and stories. Looking back on their lives and sharing stories with family or friends can help them see how full their lives have been and how much they’ve learned along the way. With home care assistance, they have another outlet to share, allowing them to reminisce regularly. Helping seniors focus on being grateful can improve their mental health, make them feel more connected, and give them a more positive view of life. It’s a simple but strong practice that can help seniors live in the moment and be happy with what they have.
Sources:
https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/health/lifestyle/wellness-activities/gratitude
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health#
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable home care assistance in Buford, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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