Supporting Mental Health While Receiving Home Health Care
With almost 17% of the US population falling into the senior category, home health care is on the rise. This means seniors don’t have to leave their homes to get the care they need. But, staying mentally well while receiving in-home health care isn’t always easy.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways to improve the mental health of a senior receiving in-home care. Follow the below tips to stay mentally well when receiving in-home nursing.
Identify and Address Mental Health Concerns
Generally, some seniors have mental health concerns before getting home health care services. These include depression, anxiety, and loneliness. These feelings are normal, but they can get better with the right support.
Getting in touch with a therapist is one way to feel better mentally. Making changes to the care plan may also help. It can be adjusted to better suit your mental health needs.
Identifying and addressing underlying mental health concerns is crucial for seniors who are receiving home health care services. Here are some additional tips for recognizing and addressing mental health concerns.
Recognize Symptoms
It’s common for seniors to experience mental health concerns. These crop up due to a fear of getting older, being less physically able, and missing friends and family.
Symptoms of these mental health concerns include persistent sadness and difficulty sleeping. A person may also lose interest in their hobbies or have changes in appetite.
If you are receiving in-home health care, you should feel free to discuss these issues with your carer. They can help put you in touch with the right people so that you get on the mend.
Communicate With Your Home Health Care Provider
Be open and honest with your care provider about any mental health concerns you may have. This can help them provide appropriate support and tailor your care plan to better meet your mental health needs.
Your care provider may be able to connect you with a therapist, offer companionship services, or make other changes to your care plan as needed.
Practice Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is important for maintaining good mental health. Get plenty of exercise, sunlight, and make sure to eat well.
Making small changes can have a big impact on your mental health. Spending even ten minutes outside is better than no outdoor time at all!
Your care provider may be able to offer suggestions for self-care activities. They’ll help find ones that are appropriate for your health needs and abilities.
Stay Connected
Maintaining social connections is important for improving mental health. It helps reduce feelings of loneliness.
Seniors can stay connected with friends and family through technology such as video calls or social media. Your home healthcare provider might be able to help you get set up on these platforms.
Seek Professional Help
If you are experiencing persistent or severe mental health concerns, it’s important to seek professional help. A carer can connect you with a mental health professional or other resources to help you get the support you need.
Build a Good Rapport With Your Home Health Care Providers
Home health care providers often become a regular part of a senior’s daily life. It’s important to invest in building a positive and comfortable relationship with them. This can help reduce stress, loneliness, and anxiety associated with receiving care.
Building a good rapport with home healthcare providers is essential for ensuring that seniors receive the high-quality care that they need. Here are some additional tips for building a positive relationship with your care providers.
Be Open and Honest
It’s important to be upfront and honest with your care providers about your concerns, needs, and preferences. This information can help them provide tailored care that gives you what you want. Try to communicate clearly and respectfully, and be open to any feedback or suggestions they may offer.
Get to Know Your Caregivers
Take the time to get to know each of your caregivers as individuals. This can help build a level of trust and rapport that makes it easier to communicate and work together to achieve your goals.
Set Clear Expectations
Work with your care providers to establish clear expectations about the care you will receive. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that you receive the care you need and expect.
Show Appreciation
Let your care providers know that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in building positive relationships and creating a more comfortable caregiving environment.
Advocate for Yourself
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel that something isn’t working for you. Remember, you are the expert on your health, and your care providers are there to support you. Be assertive but respectful in expressing your needs, concerns, and preferences.
Stay Active and Engaged
Maintaining social connections and engaging in activities that you enjoy can help improve mental health and overall well-being. You can connect with local community groups or follow your passions in creative ways from your home.
Keeping physically and mentally active is important for maintaining good mental health, especially for seniors receiving home health care. So here are some ways seniors can stay engaged and maintain social connections.
Participate in Physical Activities
Whether it’s taking a walk, doing yoga, or engaging in other low-impact exercises, physical activity can help improve mental health and overall well-being. Seniors receiving home health care can work with their healthcare providers to identify appropriate physical activities that match their health needs and abilities.
Join a Community Group or Club
Local community centers often have a variety of clubs and groups that seniors can join. Seniors can participate in a book club, gardening club, or other group based on personal interests. This can offer an opportunity to meet new people, learn new things, and stay engaged within their community.
These clubs and groups will take place at various times. Contact your nearest community center to find out more about what they can offer you. Many will provide a discounted rate for their senior clients.
Pursue Hobbies and Interests
Seniors can use their free time to explore new hobbies or engage in activities they enjoy. For example, they can paint, read books or listen to audiobooks, or pursue other creative endeavors. This can be a great way to stay engaged and find purpose and enjoyment in life.
Discuss your hobbies with your carer. They may be able to find recommendations about places outside your home that you can pursue them.
Look for Resources and Support
There are many resources available to support seniors’ mental health while receiving home health care. These may include support groups, mental health hotlines, or online forums for seniors. Your home healthcare provider may be able to point you in the direction of these resources or connect you with other seniors who are in a similar situation.
Seniors need to understand that they are not alone in the challenges they face while receiving home health care. There are many resources available that can provide support and assistance, including the following.
Support Groups
Many seniors find it helpful to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Support groups offer a safe and supportive environment to share your feelings, concerns, and experiences. Your home healthcare provider may be able to refer you to local support groups or online communities.
Mental Health Hotlines
Mental health hotlines can provide an immediate source of support for seniors who may be feeling overwhelmed or distressed. These hotlines can offer confidential counseling, advice, and referrals to other mental health resources.
You’ll never be judged for contacting a mental health hotline. The people on the other end of the phone are trained to offer support, comfort, and kindness.
Online Forums for Seniors
Online forums provide a convenient and accessible way for seniors to connect with others and share their experiences. Many websites offer forums specifically for seniors who are receiving home health care services.
These forums can be a valuable source of information and advice, as well as a source of emotional support. They can also lead to social activities that allow seniors to get out of the house and make new friends.
Non-Profit Organizations
Many non-profit organizations specialize in supporting seniors’ mental health. These organizations can provide a range of services, including counseling, education, and advocacy.
Your home healthcare provider may be able to refer you to these organizations. They can also provide information about how to access their services.
Mental Health is Important for Home Health
Receiving home health care services can be a key part of a senior’s care plan. By taking steps to prioritize your mental health, you can ensure that you are receiving the comprehensive support you need to lead a fulfilling and healthy life at every stage of your aging journey.
With attentive and responsible care, home healthcare providers can help maintain a senior’s physical safety and emotional wellness. To learn more about your home health options, get in touch with us today.
