Society recognizes that seniors have unique needs. They must have access to quality health care, spend time with others for their mental health, and receive specialized services. The senior care system strives to provide all older individuals with a safe and supportive environment that keeps them active in society. What can people do to ensure seniors have the highest quality of life?
Social Activities
Seniors are at high risk of depression and other mental health issues, particularly when they don’t have regular interactions with others. They lived active lifestyles before retiring and now need things to keep their days busy. Organized social activities are excellent for seniors because they don’t have to do any of the planning. They enjoy the fun and interact with their peers in a pleasurable way. This sense of belonging helps enhance their quality of life. Brooking Park recognizes this and schedules regular activities for all residents to ensure they have plenty of interaction with others.
Healthy Meals
Seniors often don’t enjoy cooking meals for themselves. They are used to preparing meals for their spouse and/or children, and cooking for one or two isn’t much fun. There are several ways to ensure seniors eat healthy foods. Meal prep kits can be delivered right to their door, so they only have to heat meals rather than prepping and cooking dishes. Senior dinners are always fun, and families should have their elderly relatives come for meals to connect with family members. Doing so will ensure they eat a well-balanced meal surrounded by those who love them.
Helpful Garments
One thing that often gets overlooked when discussing senior care is clothing. It can be challenging for seniors to zip zippers, open and close buttons, or tie shoelaces, mainly if their health conditions limit their agility. Help them find clothing that is easy to put on and take off. Diabetics, for example, need non-restrictive socks, and many prefer button-up shirts so they don’t have to pull something over their heads. Ask the seniors which type of clothing they like and provide it so that getting dressed and undressed daily isn’t a challenge.
Pet Therapy
Pets make people happy. Seniors away from family and friends benefit significantly from pet or animal-assisted therapy. They interact with animals to improve their health and well-being. Research shows that regular interactions with animals can lower a person’s blood pressure, reduce stress, and stimulate the release of feel-good hormones. Seniors won’t feel lonely when they have animals they can interact with. They may even get up and move to take a dog for a walk, which is good for their and the dog’s health.
Safety Devices
Seniors are at high risk of falls and other accidents. If they live alone or spend several hours daily alone, they need safety devices that allow them to call for help if they are injured. However, an emergency response system is only one of several ways families can keep their loved ones safe.
Install non-slip flooring throughout the home and grab bars in the shower. Handrails should be installed on all steps in the home so the senior can hold on to something when going up or down. Every family should consider installing a raised toilet seat in bathrooms senior relatives use.
America’s population is aging, and we are learning more about seniors’ needs today. As society does, improvements are being made in senior care, but there is still more to do. Talk to seniors and learn where they need help. Who knows better what is lacking than those who live without? They are a valuable source of information and will enjoy sharing their feedback, knowing it will help them and others who come after.
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