Ways on How to Look After Your Elderly Loved One’s Mental Health

It is your duty as their family member to look after their overall health. But if you have other important activities that you need to attend to, you can look for a provider of senior care in New Jersey where they will send caregivers who will take care of your loved ones while you are away.

Importance of Mental Health for Seniors
What do you do when your elderly loved one’s mental health is declining?

As the ageing process progresses, many people start to experience cognitive impairment. These declines are often gradual and not always severe, but they can manifest as mood disorders. It is important to address a senior’s mental health in order to reduce the risk of falls and accidents that come with fear or depression.

So, if you are looking for ways on how to look after your elderly loved one’s mental health, read on.

1. Learn about the signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s

As soon as you notice odd behaviors in your loved one, it is important to bring them to the attention of a physician. Unfortunately, many seniors are afraid of going to the doctor due to their condition (such as elder abuse). This fear alone can lead to serious consequences down the road. The most common signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s include:

● Difficulty in memorizing things such as date or time

● Forgetting to use the bathroom, forget where they are going, or get lost while walking

● Repeated words, phrases, or sentences that have been used before (which isn’t a sign of senility)

● Severe mood swings (including from happy one day to sad one the next)

Once you notice these symptoms, it is important to bring them to the. It is advised to see a physician for a diagnosis rather than an emergency room.

2. Keep them active, and with others

We know that getting old comes with mobility issues, but it can also bring depression. If your loved one has trouble moving around, it is important to keep them active. You can help by setting up an exercise room or inviting their friends over often to keep them socialized. Even if they are bed ridden, you can ask the nurses from our reputable care agency for tips on how to encourage their activity.

3. Give them a hobby

For seniors who are in good health and who do not have cognitive impairment, encouraging a hobby is a great way to keep their mind sharp. You can either ask them what they are interested in or you can search out for something that they will enjoy. Just make sure that it is something that is manageable for them so as to not stress them out. They may even end up enjoying their personal time so much that they forget about the ennui they experience on a daily basis.

4. Care for their general hygiene and activities of daily living

While it is easier to care for a loved one’s mental health in a nursing home, you can still take the initiative. For example, if you notice that your loved one’s mind is not as sharp as usual, it is important to get them to the bathroom frequently or help them with their meals. You can also assist with personal hygiene by helping them with bathing or other hygiene duties.

5. Know the warning signs of suicide

Unfortunately, it is not surprising to hear of senior citizens taking their own lives. This often happens because they feel a sense of hopelessness or depression. Our experienced caregivers are well aware of the warning signs of suicide. If you notice that your loved one is having difficulty sleeping, talking about suicide, giving away possessions, or disappearing for extended periods of time, it is important to bring it to the attention of a physician.

It’s normal for a person to feel sad from time to time, however, this kind of scenario is alarming for seniors. When they feel lonely, they tend to isolate themselves and will be vulnerable to serious conditions, especially in their mental health. Studies have confirmed that older adults, most especially seniors, are prone to depression.

Depression is more than just a feeling. It is a medical condition that can have serious effects on an individual’s physical health and overall well-being. Since seniors are vulnerable to mental health conditions, the family members should monitor their senior loved ones closely.

You don’t have to do it all alone. We at Serenity Senior Care can be your reliable partner in securing your loved one’s overall health. Our home care services in Bloomfield, New Jersey are designed to help every senior to maintain their health without their comfort being compromised.

We aim to enhance the quality of life of our clients as we also offer nursing care in New Jersey. With us, you can assure that you and your needs are prioritized.