How To Help An Elderly Relative With Their Mental Health
As you age, it can be harder to be in as good mental health as you were when you were younger. You might have less friends around you that you can talk to and depend on, your mobility might be decreased and you might be unable to do the things you used to love. A lack of independence and being able to spend time with those you love can leave you feeling isolated and things like anxiety and depression can kick in. With this in mind, if you have an elderly relative, you want to do what you can to help them enjoy every day and be in a much better place mentally. We’ve put together a few tips that can help an elderly relative with their mental health, whether this is a friend, loved one or neighbor. Keep on reading to find out more and get inspired.
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Check in on their living situation
The first thing you should do when it comes to helping out an elderly relative is to check in on their living situation. It might be that they are living at home but just can’t get around and are stuck being unable to climb stairs. Or perhaps they used to have a partner who has passed away and now find it very isolating. This is where senior living can really help. This puts them in a home where they can still have independence, but also help when needed, and can meet other like-minded individuals.
Find new hobbies for them to enjoy
While they might not be able to do the same hobbies that they used to, this doesn’t mean they need to sit and just stare at the TV all day. Instead, think of different hobbies that they can do and help them get into them. This could be puzzles, playing games like board games or bingo, or perhaps they could learn a language online, learn to sew or get into a new type of books. Finding something else to keep their mind active and agile can make a real difference to their mental health both now and in the long run.
Check in with them often
Last but not least, make sure you check in with them often. While you might have regular social interactions with friends, family members and people out and about, elderly relatives might not have this so much. Sometimes, the only interaction they have all day is if a loved one calls them and this can quickly become very lonely. Just a quick ring, pop in for a tea or even sending something in the post can really boost the way they feel.
These are just a few things you can do that can help an elderly relative with their mental health. Life can be busy and things get in the way, but by making a few simple changes and just checking in, you can make a real and lasting difference. What are some top tips you have for helping an elderly relative? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
