Some seniors may face difficulty with feeling important and valuable, but finding purpose in life may be simpler than they realize. Aging adults deserve a reason to look forward to each day. Here are some ways to help your senior loved one find a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Look Forward to Future Events
A simple calendar or board with countdowns to upcoming enjoyable events can encourage a senior to look toward the future. Whether it’s birthday parties, family reunions, or something as simple as going to a movie, planning events can make routine days more purposeful for your loved one.If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of in-home care.Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Nurture Friendships
Seniors with strong friendships are less likely to be lonely, which can lead to happier and more fulfilling lives. Motivate your loved one to interact with and support his or her friends. Having a friend join you for lunch or an afternoon outing is much better than going alone. Socializing can often help seniors regain a sense of purpose. For families living in Des Moines, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Seek Knowledge
Even though many seniors experience decreased cognitive abilities, they can still learn about new topics or try different hobbies. Watching documentaries or reading educational articles about current events and discussing them with others can be a great way to increase feelings of self-worth.
Place Worth on Memories
Many elderly activities focus on the past. Sharing memories not only forms new bonds but also inspires creativity and helps seniors maintain cognitive abilities. Instead of simply talking about his or her life, your loved one can consider recording favorite memories in a book or on video. Being the star of a great story would make anyone feel important.
Volunteer
Helping others is one of the best ways for aging adults to find a sense of purpose. Even if your loved one’s ability to serve at a soup kitchen or volunteer at a hospital has passed, there are still many options that can provide a true sense of purpose. For example, some volunteer groups crochet and knit items for premature babies or gather supplies for military care packages. In Des Moines, homecare services agenciescan be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (515) 264-2438 today.
