As a family caregiver, looking out for your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as taking physical precautions. When you don’t, it leaves you exposed to emotional stress and mental fatigue. What follows are several ways to ensure that your mental health remains strong through the inevitable ups and downs.
Caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming even during the best of times. Here are several ways to stay more positive when things aren’t going quite so well.
Millions of Americans care for an aging in place elderly family member, usually a parent or grandparent. Since most also manage a household and job, those added caregiving responsibilities can be stressful and overwhelming at times. If you currently find yourself in this position, caring for yourself is important so you don’t develop caregiver fatigue.
Your elderly father passed away several months ago and your aging mother now lives alone in the house you grew up in. But lately mom always seems lonely and depressed, and she’s isolated herself from family members and friends. In fact, mom’s feelings of loneliness have reached the point that you’re now worried about her health and wellbeing. What should you do? There are several proven ways to help an elderly parent overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation, starting with these.
Your elderly mother lives alone in Manatee County, Florida, and you manage your own household in another state. Ever since dad died a year ago, she just hasn’t been the same. Mom seems depressed, and isn’t eating or sleeping enough, or getting the exercise she needs. Now you’re worried that her health and wellbeing may be at risk. What should you do? Studies have found that an effective way to keep seniors more independent and active is by getting them a companion animal.
Regular exercise benefits a senior in so many ways, including improving balance, flexibility and coordination, strengthening their immune system, building lean muscle, reducing stress and promoting a better night’s sleep. If you’re looking after a senior in the Manatee County, FL, area, one of the exciting new ways you can help keep them more active is by introducing them to the SilverSneakers program.
