Though spring is almost here, and brighter days are on the horizon, the effects of isolation and loneliness are still on the rise. The continuing COVID pandemic has taken its toll on the mental health of everybody but maybe more so on our seniors. Only 5 months into the pandemic, last July a Kaiser Health Foundation survey found that 46% of older adults reported the worry, stress and isolation of this pandemic was having a negative effect on their mental health. And this did not include those living in facilities. Now fully a year in, these effects continue compounding daily.
Some suggestions for those caring for loved ones or suggestions to make to your caregivers:
  • Music therapy: Who doesn’t love music? Whether is classical (Chopin, Bach, Vivaldi, etc) or tunes from the 40’s or 50’s (Sinatra, Crosby, Day, Kline, etc), spirituals and more, music soothes the soul! If your loved one or caregiver has a smart phone or tablet you can just go to YouTube and search for any of these genres and you’ll have hours of music at your disposal. You can have it play during meals, quiet afternoon hours or bedtime (search music for sleep).
  • Exercise: Make sure your loved ones are getting enough activity. Walking, with assistance and/or their walkers should be done as much as possible. This will help the body, mind and spirit. It may those with insomnia too. Start with small goals, 10 minutes of ambulating every 2 hrs, then increase this slowly. Play games such as keeping a balloon in the air between you, use a fly swatter or badminton racket, you can be the one jumping up for those awry hits, healthy benefit for you too! Medicare will cover physical therapy in the home, you can receive it directly from a physical therapy facility who will send out their PT’s and bill Medicare, there may be a small co-payment. Call your seniors primary care doctor for a script if your loved one is having trouble doing their “activities of daily living” or has had a recent fall, these are some of the “medically necessary” requirements.
  • Activities and games: Bring them puzzles, magazines, picture books of their favorite pastime or places, games such as cards, Scrabble or word games. Buy them some greeting cards they can address and send to say hello to friends and family for special occasions or just to reach out.
  • Laughter: As they say, “laughter is the best medicine,” it’s great for the lungs but also blood flow, immunity and much more! Watch a funny movie together, classics such as Duck Soup, Bringing up Baby or The Philadelphia Story, or newer ones such as Father of the Bride, Groundhog Day or Mrs. Doubtfire. If they love jokes go to https://www.rd.com/list/short-jokes/ for an assortment of clean but funny jokes. If there’s a particularly hilarious memory you recall (and better yet have a picture to go with it!) bring it up next time you’re with your loved ones and laugh until you cry!
Lastly, as always, a healthy diet and plenty of hydration. Help them by incorporating vegetables and fruits into their favorite meals, fiber for healthy elimination and added nutrition. Consider a high protein nutritional drink such as Ensure or Boost. Get a good water bottle (perhaps with a built-in straw), keep it nearby at all times and keep it filled with good filtered water. Their thirst response is diminished with age and less activity but repeatedly encouraging sips throughout the day will help get them to the goal of 5-6 8-ounce glasses daily.
Caregiving is difficult and stressful at any time but especially lately, call us at Brookville Home Care to discuss a personalized assessment by our registered nurse and our many options for placement of one of our outstanding home health aides, to assure your loved one’s safety and well-being. You deserve the peace of mind and support our staff provides.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Glen Cove, NY please contact the caring staff at Brookville Homecare today. 516-802-7722