While most of us think our golden years will be the most relaxing, it’s not uncommon for our senior loved ones to feel stressed, especially if they are frequently isolated, unable to partake in activities they enjoyed in the past, or have trouble accomplishing daily tasks with ease. Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and part-time senior care in Clearwater, offers these ideas to help your elderly loved one remain stress-free.
Plan a Family Dinner Once a Week
Plan and organize a family (and friends) dinner for your senior loved one once a week. Keep the party small to avoid overwhelming your loved one, and ask each individual who is invited to bring a dish to keep costs low. Hosting a dinner is an inexpensive way to combat the isolation seniors sometimes feel, and making it a weekly commitment will give your senior loved one something to look forward to.
Spend More Time Together
This may sound obvious, but as adult children get older and have their own lives to manage it becomes more difficult to make regular time for others. Spending quality time with an elderly loved one gives them the chance to talk openly and discuss everyday situations with someone who is willing to listen. It also gives your loved one a chance to get help with things around the house they may have trouble doing on their own, like changing a light bulb. If your schedule doesn’t permit regular visits or you simply live too far away, consider a Clearwater caregiver who can offer assistance with daily activities and provide companionship on a regular basis.
Find a Senior Group
Senior Centers in nearly every city offer a wide variety of free or low-cost activities for seniors throughout the week. From exercise programs to art classes, bridge tournaments to movie nights, there is bound to be an activity your senior loved one will enjoy. Regular socialization will help reduce stress and prevent depression. Some senior centers also provide transportation to and from for seniors.
Create Purpose
While younger adults tend to feel stressed when there is too much on their plates, seniors can feel stressed and anxious when they no longer have regular responsibilities. Help your senior loved one find a new purpose to focus on. Consider planting a garden or growing herbs and succulence indoors if outside space is limited. Or, find a cause your senior loved one supports and sign them up to volunteer on a weekly basis. If you live in a more urban area, another option is knitting blankets and putting together basic meals, like a pb&j and a piece of fruit, for the local homeless population.
For more information on combating senior stress, reach out to Clearwater Home Care. Our compassionate caregivers can help ensure your loved one stays stress free by helping around the home with daily activities like cleaning or cooking, and by providing companionship on a regular basis which will stave off feelings of isolation and depression. Schedule a free in-home consultation by calling (727) 330-7862 today.