Many loved ones go through significant life transitions that can make life lonely. However, it’s painful to watch someone struggle with despair or loneliness on their own. We’ve compiled a list of suggestions that we’d like to share with other caregivers in order to make it simpler for them to help their elderly loved ones cope with loneliness and sadness. Here are seven ways to manage depression in aging loved ones.
Take Home Care into Consideration
You can pay someone to check in on aging family members who live alone once a day and assist them with daily duties such as food shopping and bathing.
Keep a Close Eye on Your Loved Ones’ Pills
If your struggling family member is on antidepressants, make sure they take them on a regular basis and follow the doctor’s instructions for diet, dosage, and lifestyle.
You may also be required to assist with drug management. Remind them to take their medication on a regular basis, and keep an eye on the medicine cabinet for signs of abuse or missed doses.
Seek Professional Assistance
Appetite loss and behavioral changes are two signs that your loved one’s depression is becoming worse. If you believe the illness is getting out of hand, contact a mental health expert and have the family member sign up for counseling.
Antidepressants may be recommended by the therapist, although alternative medicine such as occupational therapy or aromatherapy may be preferred choices in less serious situations.
Demonstrate Your Love for Them
Love is what keeps the world spinning, and it can also help a family member maintain control over their despair. Show your love and need for aging family members by listening to them and hugging them frequently.
Love expressions are especially vital for bereaved family members who require additional support and tenderness to cope with their sadness.
Give Them a Task to Complete
Loved ones who live alone can become engulfed in a tornado of negative thoughts. It would be fantastic if you could assign them a significant task.
A dog will make a fantastic companion for mobile elders, making them feel loved and needed while also keeping them physically busy and serving as a social lubricant.
Ensure That They Eat a Balanced Diet
It’s simpler to deal with an elderly person’s despair if you know what foods to feed them.
Loved ones need fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, as well as lean protein and whole grains. Serve veggies lightly cooked, with sugar, starch, and harmful fats kept to a minimum.
Maintain Physical Activity with Them
Physical activity has been proved to be a lifesaver for the elderly. Age-appropriate workouts, stair climbing, and walking are all good ways to keep a loved one in good emotional, mental, and physical shape.
You might also encourage your loved one to enroll in a group exercise class, such as yoga or tai chi, where they might meet like-minded people and develop friendships.
Explore Our Beautiful Campus at TerraBella Harrisburg
For individuals who want more support, TerraBella Harrisburg provides a choice between two, fantastic senior living options. Senior Assisted Living is for those who require tailored care, and Memory Care is for those with dementia. Check them out to see if they can fulfill your loved ones’ requirements.
