Ways Caregivers Can Help their Senior Clients Combat Depression
Aging can be difficult, and it can negatively affect mental health. Depression is a serious mental illness that can lead to serious consequences. The CDC website reports that 13.5% of seniors who need home health care are depressed. Your job as a caregiver is to lift up your clients and help them combat these depressive thoughts. You may find it difficult at times to deal with depression, but with a little encouragement and positive talk, you can at least brighten your client's day. Here are some tips for helping your senior clients cope with depression.
Help Seniors Stay Connected with Others
Keeping in touch with old and new friends brightens the mood of seniors and helps them avoid depression. Additionally, it can distract them from the reality of aging, reminding them of the good times they had when they were younger and the good times they will have in the future.
Encourage Positive Self-Talk
We notice more imperfections as we age, such as wrinkles, hair loss, and tooth decay. The experience may be devastating and depressing, resulting in negative thoughts and feelings. Therefore, you should encourage your senior client to speak highly of themselves and remind them of their purpose in life. Positive self-talk, according to Psychology Today, reduces negative emotions, allows us to confront our problems and establishes a more emotionally balanced perspective.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep plays an important role in our mood, and seniors should get adequate sleep for this reason. As their caregiver, you should ensure your client wakes up and goes to bed at reasonable times. Consistent sleep schedules will change their moods and help alleviate their feelings of depression.
Hear them Out
Sometimes, all it takes to feel better is letting it out. If you notice that your senior client seems sad, ask them if they want to talk about it. If they say yes, sit there with them and try to find a solution to their problems. Your client is likely to feel relieved and less depressed after your conversation, and they will also think of you as a friend and confidant.
Eat Healthy Meals
A healthy diet makes you feel good on the inside and outside. It is important for your clients to eat healthy food to boost their energy levels and serotonin levels. According to Medical News Today, consuming foods that contain tryptophan can help the body produce more serotonin. Eggs, salmon, and spinach all contain tryptophan. The next time your client isn't in the best mood, make them a spinach salmon salad and see if it helps!
Encourage Hobbies
Hobbies are activities that you enjoy doing. Hobbies vary by personality and can include everything from painting to golfing to relaxing on the porch. Find out what your client enjoys doing and encourage them to participate in those activities. Their passion will blossom, and their depression will fade away.
Crack a Few Jokes
It may sound corny but telling a few jokes now and then can raise spirits and distract from negative thoughts. Make a few jokes next time you notice your client is feeling down and see if it lightens their mood.
Depression is a serious illness that affects everyone differently. Seniors may be more vulnerable to it due to their aging. Caregivers at Visiting Angels Chelmsford are trained to be compassionate and caring, always looking out for their client’s best interests. We want you to know that every member of our organization is dedicated to putting seniors first and giving peace of mind to their families.