One of the benefits of having a loved one in a long-term care facility is that there are more options available for socialization, improving the chances of keeping mental or emotional health high. But that’s not a reason alone to choose senior living, so if home care if what’s best for your loved one, there are ways that you can keep their spirits high and avoid signs of isolation, which we all realized is a major mental health problem after going through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Centers Choice Home Care has a look at four ways to keep your loved one’s mental health at its highest level possible while under your care.

  1. Stimulate the Brain

Any activity that keeps the mind busy and working towards a goal can keep the brain healthy. This could be reading, writing in a journal, playing a mind game like a crossword puzzle, or either learning a new or once again playing a musical instrument. Studies show that music stimulates the brain and is a proven therapy for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

  1. Stay Connected

Go out of your way to make sure your loved one is able to remain connected with family and friends. Now that in-person visits are allowed again and more social activities are popping back up, be sure to get them back involved in what they love. And even though the pandemic seems to be slowing down, you can still keep your senior connected with family and friends through videoconferencing apps like FaceTime and Zoom.

  1. Volunteering

With it safer to go out and about, organizations are again getting back to work and seek volunteers. Volunteering for a worthy cause gives seniors a sense of purpose and a rewarding feeling that they made a difference at the end of the day.

  1. Get a Pet

If you’re able, a pet can work wonders for a senior, as it gives them something to take care of, offers companionship when you’re not around, and can increase a person’s activity level. If having a pet isn’t possible due to the situation, volunteering at an animal shelter is another option.

 

To learn more about Centers Choice Home Care and all the services they offer, visit CentersChoice.com.