4 Tips for Setting Goals for In-Home Care

As loved ones grow older, their physical and mental capacities begin to decrease in frustrating, discouraging ways. Because of these changes, many senior citizens find themselves becoming lethargic, depressed, and inactive. If aging loved ones succumb to these traits, they could find it more and more difficult to find the will to continue living life to its fullest.

What helps keep seniors on the healthiest and happiest path is a sense of purpose and independence, which they can accomplish by setting a series of short-term goals. Here are a few tips for setting in-home care goals to best help aging loved ones:

Exercise

Keeping active is one of the most important things for every senior citizen to do. Not only does it help combat the risk of various cancers, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke, but it also naturally boosts mood and cognitive health.

The word “exercise” often intimidates people, especially senior citizens. Fortunately, experts say that as little as 30 minutes a day of mild physical activity is enough to keep an individual healthy. One of the most popular forms of physical activity for older people is walking, but there are countless other options to fit the lifestyles and needs of any senior citizen.

By simply keeping active, seniors are reminding their bodies and minds that being in motion is healthy and stimulating. The more they keep up with this routine, the easier it will be to use their bodies and minds for other daily tasks.

Keeping a Schedule

Disassociation, loneliness, depression, and a lack of self-worth are all harsh mindsets that deeply affect senior citizens. This stems from a sudden sense of memory loss and confusion in their later years, which can lead to moments that are frustrating, discouraging, embarrassing, or dangerous.

One goal that helps ground them in the here and now is simply keeping track of a schedule. Clocks and calendars are very helpful here, and help provide elderly individuals with a sense of purpose and independence in their lives. Be sure not to overwhelm them with their daily routines; try to limit tasks to one a day. On Sunday, go for a walk; on Tuesday, call a certain family member; etc.

By creating a routine, you’re actually helping them keep their minds sharp and focused, increasing their memory bit by bit.

Embrace Hobbies

Perhaps your aging loved one has grown out of their hobby. Maybe they enjoyed playing a sport or traveling. Instead of giving up on this passion entirely, find ways to help them embrace it in the present while reminiscing on the fond memories of the past.

Did they love sports? Remind them to tune in to their preferred sport on TV, read up on a particular team they enjoyed, or collect and organize their memorabilia. Did they have a particular favorite vacation spot? Help them gather their favorite photos and put them all onto a DVD slideshow. Do they enjoy reading? Encourage them to read by taking them to the library or buying them new books.

Hobbies of any kind, big or small, are so very important. Not only do they help with cognitive health, but they also keep seniors happy and eager to live life. While it can be easy to forget about or dismiss hobbies as one grows older, they’re far too important to throw away.

Remain Social

This is an important goal for everyone, both you and your aging loved one alike. It’s easy for elderly individuals to stay locked away from the rest of the world, but this can lead to serious physical and mental harm. Use of a phone, internet, mail, and especially face-to-face conversation are some of the absolute best ways to keep a senior citizen healthy.

For some families, this isn’t a difficult goal to keep. For others, a lot of factors can get in the way. Time, money, work, school, practice, and countless other distractions can prevent us from visiting – or communicating with – our aging loved ones. The biggest goal you and your family can set for yourselves is to take the necessary time to visit your loved one. It may seem trivial to some, but to a senior citizen, it could mean the world.

Quality Home Care Agency in Frederick & Montgomery Counties, Maryland

At Thrive USA Home Care, we firmly believe that all seniors deserve the best possible quality of life while remaining independent. Our skilled Personal Care Coaches work closely with families to set measurable goals for care, helping our clients continue to learn and grow no matter what age. Schedule your consultation today!