Gradual decline in overall health and cognitive function is inevitable with advancing age. Studies have shown that seniors who challenge their brains, keep moving, and maintain social connections reap many benefits, including a higher level of fitness and resilience.
5 Ways to Help Elderly Clients Stay Happy at Home
As a home health care worker for seniors, there are many ways that you can help provide and encourage a fulfilling environment for your client. That’s why we put together below a list of five ways to set your clients up for future success and graceful aging!
1. Challenge Them
- Help them to set new personal records in walking, swimming, bowling, and any other physical activity which helps to maintain their social and physical health.
- Have them explore new artistic skills like crocheting, painting, drawing, decorating, or scrapbooking.
- Encourage them to learn a new language, practice playing a musical instrument, or try out photography.
2. Help Them Feel Useful and Needed
Everyone wants to be useful, regardless of their age. When you care for an older adult, do your best to make them feel helpful. Ask for help with tasks they can handle, such as:
- Folding laundry
- Polishing silverware
- Organizing drawers
- Opening the mail
- Writing grocery or household to-do lists
- Clipping coupons
- Updating you on the news
- Researching recipes or helping with food prep, such as trimming vegetables
Even if they can’t do these tasks efficiently or perfectly, that’s ok. What’s important is that they have something to give them a sense of purpose.
3. Encourage Consistent Physical Activity
Regular movement, no matter how light, helps keep both body and mind feeling balanced and positive. Physically, exercise boosts the immune system, lowers blood pressure, improves sleep quality, improves heart health, relieves anxiety, improves strength and stamina, and more. Some examples of light physical activity include:
- Gardening
- Walking
- Making the bed
- Dusting
- Ironing
4. Keep Them Mentally Engaged
Card games, crossword puzzles, sudoku, reading, and writing are all great activities for mental stimulation. Maintaining a sharp and active mind improves overall well-being.
5. Create a Comfortable Routine
Sticking to a general daily routine can help senior citizens maintain a sense of stability and sustain long-term health and happiness. Simply waking up, brushing your teeth, putting on clothes, and taking their medicine at the same time every day can create goals and objectives for each day. Creating a comfortable routine will also help them stick to healthy habits such as exercising and eating balanced meals.
Join the Care Options for Kids Team!
Are you ready for meaningful work that comes with benefits and not burnout? Join the compassionate care team that helps children and families live their best lives. Our clinicians provide best-in-class pediatric nursing, therapy, and school-based services. We bring individualized care to children where they live, work, and play. We have opportunities in homes, schools, and clinics across the country.
Apply at Care Options for Kids now. We make it easy to start so you can make a difference as soon as possible.
