How Can I Make My Aging Parents Happier?

Families looking for competent and compassionate providers of homecare in Santa Monica have different reasons to do so. But they all share a common goal which is to ensure the wellbeing of their loved ones through professional homecare. 

The purpose of caregiving in general is to make the elderly healthier, happier and give them a better quality of life. That said, let us not forget the tangible effect of happiness and good mood on health: the happier we are, the healthier we are. 

Even if you cannot afford to spend much time with your parents, having a caregiver step in and help out is the next best thing. A caregiver will be there to remind your elderly loved ones to take their medication, help them follow their diet plan or take a bath. But an equally important aspect of caregiving is companionship. Finding your elderly loved one a trusted companion is perhaps the most effective way to help them fight off depression and feeling of loneliness that so many elderly struggle with.    

How do you make an older person happy?

There are so many engaging activities for your elderly loved one to choose from. All you need to do is present them with the options. It can be something as simple as attending workshops held at Santa Monica Public Library or something slightly more challenging, like taking up a new language. Perhaps they will discover no more than a light pastime, but then again, they might end up finding their one true passion. 

Of course, sometimes all that your elderly loved one really needs to be happy is to not feel lonely and to feel more appreciated. Here’s what you can do:

• Be a good listener,
• Embrace them or give them a gentle massage whenever you can,
• Make them feel included and involved,
• Give them challenges for the mind,
• Celebrate having them around.

If you are not in a position to visit them and spend quality time with them as often as they’d like, try to find alternatives. For instance, you can always hire a caregiver to step in and keep your elderly loved one company or ask friends and other family members to help out from time to time.

How do you make your parents feel special?

How else can you express the immense love and gratitude you feel toward your parents than by doing whatever you can to make them feel special? One way to do so is to show them how much you care about their wellbeing, even when you are not around. Hiring a caregiver to be by their side is one way to do that. The caregiver can also provide transportation services to your elderly loved one so they can leave the house to take part in a diverse variety of activities. 

Aside from keeping your elderly loved ones busy, things like workshops and other social activities can help them relax and even have a beneficial effect on their overall health. In fact, there is scientific proof that the progress of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s tends to slow down when the patient leads an active lifestyle. 

Always keep in mind that your words and actions can have a huge impact on your elderly loved one. Even the simplest acts and words of kindness will show your elderly loved one how much you appreciate having them in your life. Here’s a simple list to follow:

• Always try to show patience, empathy and understanding,
• Do your best to keep in touch on a regular basis,
• Encourage them to be active and more social.

A Better Way in Home Care ensures your parents’ wellbeing

Here at A Better Way in Home Care, we go all out to match you with the best caregivers in the field of homecare in Santa Monica. The caregivers we refer offer a truly comprehensive home care service and an approach tailored to the needs of your elderly loved one. 

By looking after the physical and mental health of the elderly, we act in their best interest and ensure their overall wellbeing.  Allow us to help you enhance the quality of everyday life of your elderly loved one. Call us today for a better tomorrow.