As age-related health problems begin to affect their energy and mobility, many seniors experience feelings of isolation. Combined with the discomfort of aging, this often leads to depression, which can destroy your loved one's quality of life. To prevent this, family members, home aides, and other caregivers can boost your loved one's mood in the following ways.

How to Improve Your Loved One's Mental Health

1. Company

If isolation is one of the major problems seniors face, it makes sense that visitors can help combat the issue. Regular visits and calls with friends and family will help lift your loved one's spirits.

2. Leaving the House

Feelings of being trapped in the same setting every day can contribute to depression, which makes it even harder to leave the house. Break the cycle by scheduling outings to church, clubs, shows, and outdoor activities. Some home elderly care services will also take your loved one on outings.

3. Physical Health

Poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and physical aches and pains are contributing factors in deteriorating mental health. Make sure your loved one has access to regular, balanced, and varied meals and is getting enough sleep and exercise.

4. Sense of Purpose

After retiring, many seniors find themselves feeling adrift and unneeded. Finding a new goal can give them direction. Volunteering is one possibility, or they might want to join a group or club whose objectives they agree with.

5. Professional Help

There are a number of professionals who can contribute to your loved one's care and boost their moods, from a home aide who visits daily and chats while fulfilling necessary tasks, to a therapist who will help your loved one process what they're experiencing. Start by scheduling visits from a home aide, and if they still need help, ask their doctor for recommendations.

For home aides and hospice care in Rochester, NY, and other convenient New York locations, choose Lifetime Care. Since opening in 1960, they've expanded to serve Monroe, Wayne, Livingston, Ontario, Yates, Seneca, Cayuga, and Schuyler counties. They are a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization and have been named a Top Agency of the 2016 HomeCare Elite®. To speak with a representative, call (585) 214-1000 or reach out online.