Month: September 2019

Depression is an increasingly prevalent problem in today’s society. Some people become more at risk of experiencing depression as they age. Seniors who are isolated and perhaps no longer able to take part in the activities they used to enjoy may develop symptoms of depression as a result of these changes.

Caregivers should be mindful of this and take steps to look after the mental health of seniors in their care. But, at the same time, caregivers also need to be mindful of their own mental health. Shouldering the burden of care can be stressful and demanding. Let’s look at some tips for preventing depression in both seniors and their caregivers.

Preventing depression in older adults

When caring for seniors, it’s important to encourage them to stay connected. Socialization is one of the most important factors, as loneliness is a common problem for seniors. As well as friends and family visits, seniors could join a club or a class where they can meet new people and see them on a regular basis.

It also helps to set goals with them so that they have something to work toward. Goals will vary greatly depending on the person’s interests and capabilities. Talk together about what kinds of goals they could set. Pursuing hobbies is also good for lifting spirits and giving them something to look forward to. Gardening is a popular hobby among seniors.

Maintaining a balanced diet and staying active can help to maintain mental health as well as physical health. So, make sure they’re eating enough and that they’re getting a mix of fruit, vegetables, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein.

Looking after your own mental health

Self-care is also important for caregivers. Make sure that you give yourself enough breaks and time off from your responsibilities. If you can, try sharing your duties with your siblings or other family members. If there is no one else available, then try looking into temporary in-home care services or respite care.

Focus on your own diet and activity levels, too. The same principles apply to you as they do to those you’re caring for, so make sure you’re not neglecting your own needs because you’re too focused on them. As well as taking the time to socialize, you should also have someone who you can talk to if you’re facing problems. This could be a friend, a family member, or a therapist.

Do you need support when caring for an elderly loved one? At Bermuda Village, we provide independent living, assisted living, and additional care solutions for seniors. Get in touch to find out more about our community in Bermuda Run.

We know how tough being a primary caregiver can be. You dedicate so many hours to looking after your loved one as well as handling your own responsibilities, and perhaps even maintaining a job at the same time. Caregivers spend so much of their time looking after others that looking after themselves can easily slip through the cracks.

This is where respite care can help. Read on to find out more about respite care and how

It can help you manage your life and caregiving responsibilities.

What is respite care?

Respite care gives caregivers a break from their daily duties for a short period of time. It may involve a professional carer coming to your home to provide care, or you might take your loved one to a care home for a few days. In the meantime, you can take some time for yourself to rest, relax, enjoy yourself, or take care of any responsibilities that you haven’t had time for. This is suitable for memory care, rehabilitative care, and lots of other needs.

What are the benefits of respite care?

Taking the time to look after yourself makes you a better caregiver in the long-run. If you try to do too much and don’t take the necessary breaks, then you could end up becoming burned out and exhausted. In this state, you could make mistakes and it could lead to mental and physical health problems for yourself. When you come back after respite care, you’ll be refreshed and renewed, ready to take your responsibilities back on.

Caregiving shouldn’t be your entire life, so respite care is a great way to let you enjoy your life outside of these duties. You can reconnect with friends you don’t get to see often, spend time on a hobby, take a vacation, or simply take some time alone.

How to arrange respite care

There are lots of agencies and independent providers that can help you arrange respite care in the US. Assess the needs of your loved one to decide whether in-home or out-of-home respite care is best for them. Then, do some research and compare your options to find the best provider. It helps to make a note of all your daily responsibilities and activities, and all your loved one’s needs so that the interim carer knows what they need to do.

If you’re struggling to manage your caregiving responsibilities, then you should look into respite care as a form of relief. Alternatively, consider whether it’s time to look into assisted living for your loved one. Get in touch with Bermuda Village to find out about our assisted and independent living community in Bermuda Run, NC.