Five Ways Companion Care at Home Helps Seniors Embrace Creativity

Creativity is something that people of all ages can enjoy, especially seniors. Creative activities bring seniors a lot of joy and help them to spend their time doing something that reduces stress, improves cognitive function, and gives them a sense of fulfillment. Being creative can sometimes be easier with someone else, though, and that’s where companion care at home can come in handy.

Encouraging Artistic Expression

Artistic activities like drawing, crafting, painting, and even fiber arts are a great way for seniors to express themselves. Companion caregivers can help seniors set up a space to try out these activities, help them gather materials, and even be creative along with them. Having someone there with them while they try something creative can inspire seniors to branch out and enjoy what they’re doing.

Offering Social Engagement

Home care providers can offer hands-on support to seniors on an ongoing basis, but companion caregivers are there primarily to offer a friendly face and someone to talk to. Companion caregivers ask questions, share stories, and come up with ideas to help seniors enjoy their time together. They can recommend different adventures that give seniors something to look forward to at each visit.

Adjusting Activities to Interests

Everyone has different strengths and interests. And creativity looks different for every person. Seniors might not enjoy painting, but they might find that coloring in adult coloring books is a lot more fun than they expected. Fiber arts might feel difficult, but starting a class about flower arranging could be exactly the activity for them. Companion care at home can help seniors branch out and find the activities they love.

Boosting Cognitive Function

Engaging in activities that are creative also boosts cognitive functioning and stimulates the brain. Social engagement, especially meaningful conversation, does as well. So seniors experience lots of opportunities to keep their brains healthy and strong when they engage in creative activities with companion caregivers. They might try word games together, puzzles, or even just learning new things.

Offering Encouragement and Emotional Support

Companion caregivers offer seniors a lot of emotional support and encouragement during their visits. They’re there to help seniors to feel good about themselves and the experiences they’re having. So often seniors live far away from family members and friends or those loved ones are busy and can’t spend as much time with seniors as they would like. That leaves a lot of gaps for seniors that are hard to fill, especially if they no longer drive or aren’t comfortable being out in a crowd of people. At home, companion caregivers can recommend activities to try together that are a lot of fun and that meet these social needs.

Companion care at home is all about enhancing quality of life for aging adults. These professional caregivers can do this in so many different ways, and many of them involve seniors expressing themselves creatively. No matter what seniors decide to try, it’s helpful to have someone there with them offering a friendly word of encouragement.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Highland, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

Low-Calorie Snacks Your Senior Parent Will Love

Helping seniors manage their weight can be challenging, especially since they may have limitations on physical activity. However, incorporating low-calorie, nutrient-rich snacks into their diet can make weight management more achievable and enjoyable. Below are some strategies and snack ideas that are both delicious and health-conscious.

The Importance of Low-Calorie Snacks for Seniors

  • Weight Management: Reducing calorie intake can help seniors lose weight without compromising their health.
  • Health Benefits: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint issues.
  • Convenience: Preparing portion-controlled snacks can prevent overeating and make healthy eating easier.
  • Support from In-Home Care: An in-home care provider can assist by preparing balanced meals and snacks, encouraging healthier eating habits, and making mealtime enjoyable.

Smart Snack Choices for Seniors

1. Fresh Vegetables with Greek Yogurt Dip

  • Why It Works: Raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices are low in calories and high in vitamins and fiber.
  • Serving Tip: Pair them with a dip made from plain Greek yogurt mixed with herbs or a splash of lemon juice. This combination adds protein and flavor without extra calories.

2. Air-Popped Popcorn

  • Why It Works: At only 30 calories per cup, air-popped popcorn is light, satisfying, and rich in fiber to aid digestion.
  • Flavor Ideas: Avoid butter and opt for healthy seasonings like salt, cinnamon, or nutritional yeast. Seniors can enjoy a generous portion without consuming many calories.

3. Hard-Boiled Eggs

  • Why It Works: A single hard-boiled egg has about 70 calories and is packed with protein and healthy fats, keeping seniors full and maintaining muscle strength.
  • Preparation Tip: Peel the eggs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a quick, hassle-free snack.

4. Fresh Fruit Slices

  • Why It Works: Fruits like apples, oranges, and watermelon are naturally low in calories and full of vitamins, fiber, and hydration.
  • Calorie Counts: A medium apple has about 95 calories, while a cup of watermelon has only 46. These make refreshing and nutritious snacks any time of day.

5. Low-Fat Cottage Cheese with Berries

  • Why It Works: Cottage cheese is protein-rich, with about 90 calories per ½ cup. Adding fresh berries like blueberries or strawberries enhances the flavor and provides antioxidants.
  • Nutritional Highlight: With around 20g of protein per cup, this snack is both filling and versatile enough to include in meals.

6. Rice Cakes with Avocado

  • Why It Works: Rice cakes are low in calories (about 35 per cake) and provide a crunchy base. Adding a thin layer of mashed avocado introduces healthy fats and fiber.
  • Flavor Boost: Sprinkle with salt or red pepper flakes for extra taste without excess calories.

7. String Cheese

  • Why It Works: String cheese is a convenient, portion-controlled snack. Each stick has about 80 calories and delivers protein and calcium for bone health.
  • Pairing Ideas: Combine with whole-grain crackers or a small piece of fruit for a balanced and satisfying snack.

Additional Tips for Success

  • Portion Control: Preparing snacks in advance can prevent overeating and ensure that your senior parent sticks to their calorie goals.
  • Encouragement: Offer a variety of snacks to keep things interesting and encourage your parent to try new flavors and textures.
  • Hydration: Many low-calorie snacks, like fresh fruits and vegetables, help maintain hydration, which is essential for overall health.

By incorporating these easy and healthy snack options, you can support your senior parent in achieving their weight goals while ensuring they receive the nutrition they need. When you can’t be there as often as you’d like, in-home care providers can step in to support your senior’s efforts to eat healthier and lose weight.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Highland, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

Cold Weather Conditions to Watch For in Your Senior

Home Care Assistance in Cedar Lake, IN and Surrounding Areas

Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air is an important part of staying healthy year-round, but these cold winter months bring certain dangers that must be avoided to keep your elderly loved one safe.

Three Common Safety Concerns During the Winter Months

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when a person’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. While it can occur quickly when outside in frigid temps, it can also occur if an elderly person is in a home that isn’t well heated, or they aren’t dressed appropriately for the lower temps. Hypothermia can damage the heart and other organs. Signs of hypothermia include:

  • Uncontrollable Shivering
  • Cold extremities like the hands and feet
  • A puffy or swollen face
  • Pale skin
  • Slurred speech
  • Feeling extremely sleepy.

If your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, move her to a warm place, offer warm drinks, and call the doctor right away.

Frostbite

Frostbite occurs when the skin exposed to extremely cold temperatures freezes. In some parts of the country that have extremely cold temperatures, exposed skin can develop frostbite in mere minutes. It is most common on the extremities like fingers, toes, nose, and chin. Tell-tale signs of frostbite include skin that looks waxy and is a different color than the skin around it, numbness in the affected area, and blistering upon rewarming.

Falling

Winter provides some extra falling hazards with snow and ice that cover the ground and even the railings that your loved one may use for support when outside. Because it gets dark earlier in the winter months, it also makes it more difficult to see things like ice on the sidewalks until it’s too late.

The best strategy is to go slow, use someone or something to hold onto, and always wear shoes or boots that are non-skid when leaving the home.

Health Conditions that Need Extra Care in the Winter

Some medical conditions can either get worse in the cold winter months or may cause your loved one to struggle more in the winter. If your loved one has any of these conditions, she should take extra precautions during the coldest parts of the year.

  • Arthritis. Cold temps can make arthritis flare and make some tasks such as dressing herself or making meals more difficult.
  • Hypothyroidism may make it difficult for your loved one to stay warm.
  • Diabetes can slow blood flow, making staying warm more difficult.
  • Cognitive issues may prevent your loved one from making wise clothing choices when heading outside.

Keep Your Loved One Safe with Regular Home Care Assistance

If your loved one lives alone, winter is a great time to have a home care assistance provider make regular visits to ensure that she is doing well throughout the cold, winter months. A home care assistance provider can help ensure sidewalks and outdoor stairs are safe for walking on, help her monitor her indoor home temperature, and even provide some nice hearty meals to keep her warm during the coldest nights. Home care assistance providers can also alert you if there are areas that they have concerns about such as the temp of the home being kept too low or needing to have someone come over to take care of an icy sidewalk.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care assistance in Cedar Lake, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

How Does Senior Home Care Help People with Vision or Hearing Impairments?

Senior Care in Valparaiso, IN and Surrounding Areas

Seniors with vision or hearing impairments face some different challenges than other aging adults might on a daily basis. It’s often more difficult to navigate their homes safely, communicate effectively, and get the help they really want. Senior home care services can offer customized help that emphasizes safety while also helping seniors maintain their independence.

Addressing Needs

The first step in working with elder care providers is for seniors and family caregivers to assess the senior’s needs. The various challenges aging adults are facing because of vision and hearing difficulties mean that seniors need unique solutions in order to overcome those issues. Professional caregivers understand how frustrating sensory changes like vision and hearing impairments can be and they can help to fill the gaps seniors experience. They don’t take over tasks, however. The support offered by professional caregivers is always geared toward helping while also empowering.

Improving Safety

Safety is a major priority for seniors with sensory impairments. Senior home care providers work with families to identify possible hazards and put solutions in place that allow seniors to be safer. Removing tripping hazards and increasing lighting can help seniors with vision issues. Using visual alarms and minimizing distracting sounds are some solutions that can help seniors with hearing trouble be safer at home.

Communicating Effectively

When seniors are better able to communicate, they automatically feel safer and they can start to build trust with caregivers and other people. Improved communication also helps seniors to get the social interaction they need. Simple changes like announcing when someone enters the room and explaining what is about to happen are really helpful for seniors with any type of sensory impairments.

Customizing Assistance

Seniors with hearing or vision impairments may need more tailored help on a daily basis. For instance, they may still love to cook, but vision problems make using knives a bad idea. Home care providers can help with meal preparation, cutting up ingredients and setting them up. Seniors can still take care of the part of the process they’re able to handle, and they also get necessary assistance to be safe. Senior home care providers can help in all sorts of ways, with personal care tasks, driving seniors to appointments, and helping them to have a clean and safe home.

Empowering Seniors

All of the assistance that seniors receive from family caregivers and senior home care services is geared toward empowering them. Even seniors with hearing and vision challenges can live comfortably and confidently in their own homes for a long time. What they usually need is a little bit of extra support to address specific challenges and keep them as safe as possible. Technology can help as well, but the human touch offered by professional caregivers makes the most difference.

When seniors who have vision or hearing impairments get the support they need, they’re better able to face just about anything that comes their way. Senior home care providers prioritize safety, offer comfort, and spend lots of time socializing with aging adults. This compassionate care allows seniors to experience fulfilling lives as they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Valparaiso, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

Making the Bathroom Safe for Your Loved One with Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is considered a brain disorder that can affect anyone. It generally targets men over the age of 60, but some people develop it at a younger age. The disease presents symptoms when the nerve cells in the area of the brain that control movement die off or become impaired. When that happens, the amount of dopamine created by them decreases. Without enough dopamine, the body struggles to move properly.

How does Parkinson’s Disease Affect Coordination

Once the disease has set in, your loved one may begin to struggle with everyday movements. Parkinson’s disease causes uncontrollable movements such as shaking, freezing, and stiffness. It can make balance and coordination very difficult. Many people begin to struggle with walking and focused movements such as gripping or holding something steady. The disease is considered a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms will continue to get worse as your loved one ages.

Six Tips for a Safer Bathroom Experience

Helping your loved one stay safe as he navigates his home (whether he lives with you or on his own), is an important step in helping him remain independent and keep the pride he feels in being able to take care of himself. Bathroom grooming tasks can be especially personal, making it all the more important for your loved one to be able to perform them on his own for as long as possible.

Here are six updates or changes you can make to your loved one’s bathroom to keep him safer as he manages his disease.

  1. Install grab bars. Using bathroom faucets, counters, or towel bars for support is not strong enough to support your loved one if he needs it to keep him upright. By installing strong grab bars, your loved one can put as much pressure as he needs on the grab bar to keep him upright.
  2. Make the bathtub and shower area safe. Install non-slip flooring that will prevent his feet from slipping. Also, if possible, consider adding a shower chair so your loved one can sit while he bathes. In addition to a shower chair, a handheld shower head can help your loved one remain seated while he showers.
  3. Place bathtub toiletries on shelves within easy reach. You might also consider having pump dispensers instead of bar soap or squeeze bottles. Bar soap can easily slip out of the hand and squeeze dispensers require the use of both hands at the same time.
  4. Have seating ready for grooming tasks. It might be difficult for your loved one to stand while he performs his daily grooming routine. Consider having a chair in the bathroom for him to sit on as he gets ready each day.
  5. Keep floors clear of trip hazards. Only use rubber-backed rugs that won’t slip along the floor or have corners that curl up.
  6. Elevate the toilet seat so sitting down and getting back up is easier. Remember to have grab bars at the toilet to provide support.

When Extra Help is Needed

As the disease progresses, you might find your loved one will need more Parkinson’s care at home. Having a professional provide Parkinson’s care at home can ensure your loved one can stay independent and safe. A Parkinson’s care at home provider can provide trusted help with personal grooming tasks such as shaving, bathing, and nail care.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Parkinson’s care at home in Crown Point, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

Hydration and Delirium: Key Considerations in Alzheimer’s Care for Seniors Aging in Place

As more seniors choose to age in place, providing care for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia becomes increasingly important. Proper hydration is a key element of their care, as dehydration is directly linked to delirium—a state of severe confusion that can worsen cognitive impairment. Understanding the relationship between hydration, delirium, and Alzheimer’s care is critical to ensure seniors get the care they need.

The Importance of Hydration in Brain Health

Water is essential for many bodily activities, including brain health. The human brain contains approximately 75% water, and even minor dehydration can impair cognitive skills such as memory, concentration, and problem solving. This is especially concerning for seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. The disease has already reduced the brain’s ability to operate efficiently, and dehydration can increase symptoms, making managing the condition more difficult than it might already be.

Seniors, in general, are more prone to dehydration. As the body ages, the sensation of thirst fades, making it more difficult for seniors to identify or respond to the need to consume water. For seniors with Alzheimer’s, this only makes things worse, as they may forget to drink or have trouble communicating their thirst.

Delirium and Dehydration

Delirium is a rapid and severe condition of disorientation that can affect seniors, especially those with cognitive deficits. It is frequently caused by an underlying condition, with dehydration being one of the most common. Agitation, hallucinations, quick mood changes, and a severe reduction in cognitive capacity are all possible symptoms of delirium.

Delirium is especially problematic for seniors with Alzheimer’s because it can momentarily impair memory and cognitive function, resulting in a “fog” that blurs reality. This misconception frequently results in a misdiagnosis or unneeded treatment when something as simple as dehydration could be the culprit. Early detection and treatment of delirium are essential, as it can accelerate the progression of dementia if left untreated.

Hydration and Alzheimer’s Care at Home

Seniors with Alzheimer’s who are aging in place must manage their hydration as part of their regular care routine. This means that family members will need to be diligent in ensuring their loved ones get enough water throughout the day. The strategies below can help:

Encourage Fluid Intake: Beyond encouraging a loved one to drink throughout the day, family members might also offer fluids such as soups, smoothies, or water-rich fruits like melons and cucumbers that can help seniors stay hydrated.

Set Hydration Reminders: Using alarms or timers to remind seniors to drink water throughout the day is a good idea. Additionally, visual signals, such as leaving water bottles in clearly accessible locations, can also help.

Monitor for Dehydration Symptoms: Dry lips, sunken eyes, or dark urine should be treated right away to ensure seniors aren’t becoming dehydrated.

Routine Check-Ins: Seniors and their loved ones should consult with the Alzheimer’s care team and medical professionals on a regular basis to address any cognitive abnormalities caused by hydration levels.

Proper hydration for seniors receiving Alzheimer’s care is important as it reduces the risk of delirium, which can directly impact cognitive function and overall well-being. Careful, attentive monitoring of daily hydration intake can improve the quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients, allowing them to live more comfortably and independently in their home.

Sources:

https://caregiver.com/articles/hydration-and-delirium

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/delirium

https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/delirium/care-treatment

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41582-022-00698-7

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Saint John, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

Eating Healthy on a Fixed Income: Practical Tips for Seniors

Eating the right foods becomes increasingly important as the years pass by in order to maintain health and avoid certain medical conditions. However, for seniors on fixed incomes, rising food prices might make it difficult to purchase nutritional meals. Fortunately, with a little planning, help from senior home care, and some savvy shopping habits, it is easy to eat healthily without breaking the wallet.

Planning Meals in Advance

One of the most efficient strategies for sticking to a shopping budget is to plan meals ahead of time. Senior home care can work with seniors to create a weekly menu plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. They can also teach seniors which inexpensive foods are the healthiest, such as rice, beans, oats, and vegetables.

Once seniors have their meal plan in place, they can make a shopping list based on what they will need. This can help them avoid making spontaneous purchases at the grocery store, which can rapidly add up. Sticking to a shopping list also guarantees they only buy what they need, eliminating food waste and saving money.

Buying in Bulk

Bulk purchasing can be an economical method to stock up on necessities such as grains, beans, and frozen vegetables. Seniors might consider shopping at warehouse clubs to find the most bulk items for the best price. Additionally, they might consider food sealing machines so they can buy more at one time but seal and freeze multiple portions for later.

Select Generic or Store Brands

When shopping, seniors should focus on looking for generic or store-brand products rather than major brands. Generic items are usually just as nutritious and high-quality as brand-name items, but they are less expensive. It’s worth noting that senior home care can also assist in finding generic or store brands when shopping for seniors to ensure they’re able to stick to their budget.

Shop Seasonal and Frozen Produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables can be expensive, particularly if purchased out of season. To save money, seniors can buy seasonal produce, which is cheaper and fresher. For example, they should purchase apples in the fall or berries in the summer. Also, seniors shouldn’t shy away from frozen fruits or vegetables. They are generally less expensive than fresh food, and because they are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, they preserve the majority of their nutritional worth.

Cook at Home

Cooking meals from scratch is often less expensive and healthier than using processed or pre-packaged items. Pre-made meals and snacks can contain additional sugars, sodium, and other additives that might be unhealthy for seniors, in addition to being more expensive. However, not all seniors are able to cook for themselves anymore, which is another area where senior home care can help. They can also make larger portions of certain foods for later in the week.

Look for Senior Discounts and Food Assistance Programs

Many grocery stores and marketplaces provide discounts to seniors. Additionally, senior home care can help them look into food assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), local food banks, or meal delivery services. These programs can offer financial assistance or access to free or low-cost meals.

Eating healthy on a tight income can be done with a little planning and effort, and with senior home care on their side, seniors will have the support they need.

Sources:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-eating-nutrition-and-diet/healthy-meal-planning-tips-older-adults
https://www.ncoa.org/article/6-healthy-eating-habits-for-older-adults
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-ways-to-eat-healthy-on-a-budget

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Dyer, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

How Can Companion Care at Home Help Seniors Experiencing Cognitive Decline?

Companion Care in Munster, IN and Surrounding Areas

Cognitive decline becomes a bigger concern for many aging adults the older they get. There are so many different reasons brain health changes, and some of those causes can’t be avoided. But seniors who want to slow down cognitive decline might be interested to learn that spending time with other people can be exactly the right answer. Companion care at home offers seniors the chance to get socialization and structured companionship which can help them to keep their brains healthier.

What Is Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive decline covers a lot of ground. It can exhibit for seniors in issues like forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty solving problems. Seniors can still live independently with cognitive decline, but they may still feel as if something is missing. Working with their doctors to improve variables like diet and exercise can help with some of the health-related causes of cognitive decline. Building social networks and getting help from companion caregivers can assist in other ways.

Offering Structure and Routine

One of the things that some seniors are missing when they battle cognitive decline are gently structured routines that help them stay on target with their goals. Seniors know when to expect companion caregivers and might even have activities planned out in advance. Consistent routines offer familiarity, but also comfort, which can be important for seniors experiencing cognitive changes.

Engaging in Conversation

Socialization and conversation are wonderful ways for seniors to keep their brains healthy and active. Living alone and possibly experiencing mobility challenges can mean that it’s more difficult for them to spend time talking with other people. Companion caregivers have experience talking with seniors about all sorts of topics, so they’re skilled at engaging seniors in meaningful conversations.

Encouraging Mental Stimulation

Beyond conversation, companion care at home can help seniors with mental stimulation in other ways. They might suggest activities like puzzles, games, or crafts for seniors to try alongside them. Or they might help seniors reminisce about stories and memories they want to preserve. There are endless ways that companion caregivers can offer mental stimulation that seniors need.

Fostering Connections

When companion caregivers spend time with seniors, those seniors start to build relationships with the care providers. They get to know each other, build trust, and create strong bonds. These connections are an important way for seniors to stay connected to the world around them, even when they might worry that they no longer fit into that world in the same way that they once did.

Supporting Family Caregivers

Companion caregivers can also offer basic respite for family caregivers. Companion care doesn’t offer the same hands-on assistance that home care offers, but family caregivers can take an afternoon away knowing that seniors are not left alone. The peace of mind that seniors and family caregivers experience is invaluable.

Companion care at home offers a wide range of emotional and mental health support for seniors who are experiencing cognitive decline. Seniors also find new ways to keep their brains active and engaged, which can help to slow down the cognitive decline a little bit.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Munster, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

Five Ways Home Care Offers More Than Just Physical Assistance to Seniors

Emotional support is something that seniors may find more difficult to get as often as they need it while they age in place. In many cases, they aren’t sure how to mention to the people they love that they’re feeling more lonely or isolated, so they don’t see an easy answer. Home care is typically a solution that offers hands-on, practical help to aging adults. But these caregivers also play a critical role in offering emotional support to aging adults. That support helps them combat loneliness and offers social interaction.

Companionship and Social Interaction

Home care providers spend a lot of time with the aging adults that they help. Many seniors experience loneliness and isolation, especially if they live on their own. Caregivers become trusted companions for seniors. They offer empathy, emotional support, and conversation while they also help seniors with more practical concerns. These relationships are a huge mood booster for aging adults because they offer compassionate, warm care.

Meaningful Activities

Elder care providers help seniors to engage in meaningful activities regularly. These activities stimulate their brains and promote emotional health. These activities might be as simple as playing games together, working on puzzles, or participating in hobbies. As home care providers engage in these activities with seniors, they’re also engaging them socially. Even the more practical tasks, like preparing meals or getting dressed, are still a social experience.

Encouraging Communication

Seniors might not want to unload their concerns and fears to family caregivers since they know how busy they already are. It can be hard to open up about difficult feelings. But it can be easier sometimes to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences with home care providers while they’re doing something together. This offers seniors an easy way to express emotions and concerns, which helps to reduce both stress and anxiety.

Providing Structure and Routine

Establishing daily routines helps seniors to experience a stronger sense of stability and security. Home care services help families to create gently structured schedules that include everything seniors need. As needs change, those schedules can adapt to meet those new requirements. When seniors have a better idea what to expect every day or week, it’s a lot easier for them to relax and go with the flow.

Observing Mental Health

Elder care providers do get to know seniors really well, especially when they’ve been helping them for a while. They learn tells that could indicate stress, anxiety, depression, and more. That allows them to notice changes quickly and pass along information to healthcare providers and family caregivers when necessary. Being proactive about mental health allows seniors to get support as quickly as possible.

Home care services offer way more than just hands-on physical assistance. They can help with household tasks, personal care, and so much more, but they also offer seniors emotional support. Their focus on emotional wellness allows seniors to avoid feeling lonely, isolated, or forgotten. The emotional benefits of home care can lead to seniors having a much better experience as they age in place.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Highland, IN, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana today at (219) 244-2533.

Home Helpers Home Care of NW Indiana provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors in Highland, Munster, Crown Point, Schererville, Dyer, Saint John, Valparaiso, Cedar Lake, Griffith, Lowell and the surrounding areas.

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