How to keep your loved one joyful in their golden years
At Home Instead we pride ourselves in doing everything we can to bring joy to ageing. Here is how we can all keep our loved ones joyful!
How mental health is overlooked in the ageing population
Did you know that depression affects around 50% of people aged 65 years and over, yet it is estimated that 85% of older adults with depression receive no help at all from the NHS. Older peoples mental health can often be overlooked and dismissed as “old age” but their mental health is just as important as their physical health. It’s vital to focus on the mental well-being of our elderly loved ones not just for their happiness, but for their overall quality of life. Since the pandemic anxiety levels have risen in elderly people as it made them more reluctant to leave the house and socialise with others. At Home Instead we want to give people the opportunity to get out and about again with no fear.
According to a survey conducted in 2024 more than seven in ten people aged 50 and over reported being lonely to some extent. There are a variety of different factors that can lead to feeling like this such as living far away from family, struggling to get out and about by themselves or not having many friends left to stay in touch with. As we age these feelings can become more frequent and it’s important to know what to do when feeling like this. Here’s some things that can improve mental wellbeing:
Promote Social Interaction
It’s important to encourage your loved ones to keep socialising with others and make sure they have regular interactions. Home Instead offer a number of different community events across Wetherby and North Leeds that allow elderly people to meet and interact with others.
Create Routine
Having a regular daily routine can bring anxiety levels down and increase feelings of comfort and stability. Working with ourselves to put a personalised care plan together can give you control around what you want your care professional to help you with each day.
Engage in regular Physical Exercise
Consistent exercise, even if it’s gentle exercise, is beneficial and improves mood. This is also a good way to frequently see people and socialise as there are a lot of group activities available in the area. Home Instead run weekly seated exercise classes in different areas and our What’s On Where guide includes a number of activities in the area. These are available to be posted to you.
How Home Instead can help
At Home Instead our care professionals are always looking out for each of their clients and if they have any concerns for the mental or physical wellbeing they will notify our team instantly. We offer companionship visits which have proven to improve our clients wellbeing as they have been matched to a care professional with similar interests and have dedicated time each week to sit and chat. These visits can be as long as required and they can even take you to your favourite coffee shop.
The importance of looking after you own mental wellbeing
In a survey conducted last year by Age UK they found that 45% of people that were also caring for a loved one experienced anxiety. While caring for our elderly loved ones, we must not overlook the mental health of caregivers, who often shoulder immense responsibility and emotional strain. The challenges faced by family members or professional caregivers can lead to burnout and stress. It is so important to make sure to take care of yourself among caring for a loved one. If you feel you’re struggling more and more don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and find out how we can support you and your loved one.
As we look out for the elderly in our lives, it’s crucial to remember that their mental health deserves just as much attention as their physical health. By understanding the challenges they face and actively supporting their mental well-being, we can help create a more fulfilling and joyful life for them as they age. Remember, a caring conversation or small gesture can make a big difference.
To find out how we can help with our regular home care visits and activities please call us on 01937 220510.
