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Mid section of disabled senior woman walking with walker in garden on a sunny day
Aging

10 Enjoyable Activities for Seniors with Limited Mobility

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The majority of seniors lose mobility due to conditions like serious joint pain, stroke, or injuries from falls. At the point when this occurs, leisure activities and exercises that they used to appreciate may become troublesome. Loss of mobility for seniors doesn’t always equate to the completion of fun occasions. There are several great ways to have fun without having to move around. In this article, we have compiled ten enjoyable activities for seniors with limited mobility. You’ll probably discover something that suits you after reading this article. Let’s get started!

1. Read

Reading is one of the best activities for seniors. It a great way to spend time while keeping the mind engaged. It can reduce stress, improve memory, delay cognitive decline and improve the quality of sleep. Whether you like reading magazines, non-fictional books, e-books, or listening to audiobooks, immersing yourself in a story or learning about an interesting topic is a great way to spend your time. You can also consider organizing a book club among your acquaintances to socialize while reading.

2. Explore other hobbies

Hobbies are good for seniors with limited mobility. Hobbies that don’t require lots of movement include baking, cooking, crotchet, indoor gardening, knitting, playing a musical instrument, birdwatching, and becoming an essay writer to name a few. Limited mobility will allow you to learn something new and try out things you’ve never done before. Learning is one of the best ways to keep your mind active and avoid boredom.

3. Exercise

Even if you cannot move much, there are several exercises that you can do to keep your body moving. Whether it’s standing, or sitting, you can still enjoy the health benefits linked to exercising. Yoga routines and chair exercises can boost your health and wellbeing.

4. Sharpen your creativity

Getting in touch with your creative side is another great way for seniors with limited mobility to spend their time. Coloring, drawing, sculpture, and painting are some of the best ways to be creative. Fun projects include organizing photo albums, creating scrapbooks, and making a family recipe book. Being creative promotes your health. Research studies have found that creative activities play an integral role in people suffering from chronic illnesses, negative emotions, and stress.

5. Spend time outside

Getting out from time to time during the day will help you relax and boost your mood. Even if your mobility is limited, you can consider sitting next to a window or porch on your veranda to get some fresh air while viewing the beautiful scenery.

6. Invite people

Asking friends and family members with pets and children to stop by for a visit is one of the best ways to keep yourself engaged. Most people lighten up in the presence of a young child. Playing with pets is another great way to reduce stress and bring cheer.

7. Brain games

Another great way to spend your time is by playing exciting brain games. You can play by yourself, with a friend or a family member. Try out a crossword, brain teaser, or Sudoku. Spending a few hours every day on such games will help you keep your brain sharp. When you are not mobile, it’s easy to sit around and watch TV for hours. And this might not give your mind the kind of stimulation that it requires. Playing brain games will improve your mental health.

8. Watch TV shows and listen to music

Watching TV all day long is not one of the best ways to spend your time. However, watching a few TV shows will allow you to enjoy your day. Watching TV can go hand in hand with a hobby. For instance, you can watch a documentary on a topic that you are passionate about. Travel and Food channels can also inspire you to travel and try out new recipes.

9. Listen to music

Listening to music is a great way to spend your time. Scientific studies have shown that music has the power to reduce, anxiety, stress, and pain. It also improves sleep and immune function while boosting memory.

10. Volunteer

Even if you are an immobile senior, there are several great ways to give back to the community. It a great way to stay engaged and feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose. You should consider contacting local hospitals, charity organizations, and religious institutions to find out if there are projects that you can contribute to. This could mean crocheting hats, knitting, creating blankets, or assembling packages.

Conclusion

As we get older, our mobility starts to suffer. You may start noticing pains, aches, and fatigue affecting you in different ways. Recovery time can get longer. However, getting old doesn’t mean that you have to confine yourself to your home. As you have seen, there are lots of exciting activities that you can indulge in to improve your physical and mental health.

Author Bio:

Jennifer Holland is a professional writer at Assignment Masters, essay writing service and best essay writers with 3 years of experience who has been writing about education, student life and career development for several years. She helps students get their dream job by offering them her excellent writing skills and knowledge.

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Portrait of senior man at home indoors
Seniors & Covid

Staying Healthy on Quarantine, Top 5 tips

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The COVID-19 pandemic affects everyone in the world, no matter where the age. Quarantine measures have been put in place to prevent citizens from getting sick or infecting their fellows. Staying healthy during quarantine is simple, as long as you know what you must and must not do. Here are some of the most basic do’s and don’ts. Health is important, so respecting some of these guidelines could make a difference.

  1. Get into a daily routine

Keeping an on-going routine is crucial for productivity. You need to set a schedule and prioritize your activities accordingly. It’s important to know when and how to do certain activities; otherwise, you might get overwhelmed by all this free time.

Been there, done that. I’ve been a couch potato for the first weeks of the pandemic. I was basically unable to do anything because I couldn’t find the motivation for it. Time passed and I realized I must change something if I want to start feeling more active and therefore, better. Setting up a daily routine was helpful, so maybe that’d be a favorable thing for you to try as well.

  1. Exercise often

The more you exercise, the more accomplished you’ll feel. That’s because exercising makes your body feel more active and therefore prone to work harder. So, it’s important that you include exercise in your daily quarantine routine. You could watch fitness trainers on YouTube and get inspired from there. There are many channels that can help you learn how to work out from home, you just have to find the right ones.

Don’t think that weightlifting is the only workout available out there. If you’re not into that, you could take an online Zumba class or do some yoga while you’re at it. This is your time to learn something new in this aspect, so take on sports, even if it’s something super easy. You’ll soon feel better.

  1. Eat healthy foods

Since you’ll be working out, your body will need more nutrients. Make sure you are offering yourself the right type of food. Since you’re at home the whole time, you should be able to cook more. Make sure you order all the groceries you need online and look up recipes that you’d like to make. You don’t have to spend too much time on this. However, make sure you’re taking some time to cook for yourself. Eat lots of veggies and soups *especially during the winter* and make sure that you stay hydrated. Your diet is super important for your health and well-being.

  1. Use your time wisely and be productive

Becoming productive is a process that can be learned – the fact that you procrastinate does not mean you’re failing. Whenever you don’t feel like being productive, take a small break. Walk around the house, stretch, read one or two of your favorite motivational quotes, and get back to being productive. When your body doesn’t feel like working, don’t force it to sit down. Listen to yourself and convince yourself of why it is important to continue the task at hand. Once you figure that out, you’ll become more motivated to work, and everything will unfold easier.

  1. Get enough rest

Since you’re at home all day, you might find yourself less motivated to sleep (especially when you’re on a work roll). You might be tempted to spend late nights at your desk and finish most of your online duties ahead of time. While productivity is a great thing to practice when working a senior online job, don’t forget about resting. Your body needs to rest in order to stay productive. So, get good sleep – rest for at least 7 to 8 hours per night.

Plus 2 Bonus Tips

We think these two other extra tips are important to note, so here they are.

Find balance by taking care of yourself

Taking care of yourself means more than resting and eating well. Take time to meditate or exercise at least 30 minutes each day – you’ve got enough time to spare. Make room for a rather mindful practice in your routine. If you cannot meditate for 30 minutes at first, start with 5 or 10. If you prefer journaling to meditation, ensure that you’re writing down your feelings daily. Checking in with yourself is always a good idea.

Connect with other people

Don’t forget to connect with other people. As humans, we are social beings in need of daily interaction. So, even if you’re not seeing anyone, Skype or Zoom them every now and then. Of course, quarantine is a great time to enjoy some time alone, but don’t forget to interact, at least minimally. Keep everyone updated on how you feel – and have a good laugh with your best friends.

Wrapping Up

Form a daily routine, eat healthily, get rest, exercise, and be productive, and quarantine will pass in no time. Don’t forget to connect with other people and take time for your soul. Happy quarantine, my friend!

Author Bio:

John Peterson is an essay writer online with 4 years’ experience working in London magazine “Shop&buy”. He provides the best writing services for students. In his free time, John is a professional mini-tennis player. He has written a novel “His heart”. You can find him on Facebook.

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Senior woman wearing facemask
Seniors & Covid

How Seniors Can Protect Themselves against COVID

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Due to their age and compromised immune systems, seniors are at higher risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The danger is even greater during a worldwide pandemic. If you’re 60 years of age or older and suffer from chronic health conditions like heart disease, respiratory problems, cancer, or diabetes, it’s vital you protect yourself against life-threatening diseases like COVID-19. According to data from the Centers from Disease Control, seniors are twice as likely to experience severe cases of coronavirus in comparison to younger adults. When it comes to COVID, protecting yourself from infection could very well save your life.

Why are Seniors at Greater Risk of COVID-19?

Your immune health plays an important role in keeping you healthy. As you age, your immune system weakens, making it less effective in fighting off sickness and disease. If you also struggle with chronic health issues, chances are your body isn’t strong enough to cope with diseases like COVID-19.

COVID tends to attack the upper and lower respiratory system, making it difficult for people to breathe. In seniors, there’s a greater danger of the lungs or respiratory system failing, putting you at risk of losing your battle to the disease.

Ways to Protect Yourself from COVID-19

The best way to evade COVID and its devastating effects are to avoid exposure to the disease. Taking these steps can drastically reduce your risk of being exposed to COVID:

Staying Home

If you don’t need to go out in public, don’t. Stay home within a controlled environment that offers you greater safety from infectious diseases. The less contact you have with others, the less risk you have of contracting COVID-19 and other diseases. If you opt to stay home, here are a few ways you can handle essential tasks:

  • Shopping. Shop online for your food, household supplies, and other necessities and have them brought to your home via contactless delivery. This includes canned foods, bottled water, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, toiletries, pet food (if you have a pet), medications, and other needs.
  • Home visits. Only receive visitors (usually close friends or family) who you know are healthy. It’s best to avoid children, however, as they could be asymptomatic carriers.
  • Doctor visits. If feasible, cancel nonessential appointments with your doctor. Take advantage of telemedicine to speak to a doctor when necessary or when you must renew prescription medications.
  • Home health aides. If you receive regular visits from home health aides, make sure they follow CDC guidelines when it comes to wearing masks and cleanliness. Any equipment they use should be disinfected to prevent contagion. They should also be in peak health to avoid spreading sickness.
  • Healthy habits. Maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating a balanced and nutritious diet. Even though you’re staying home, you can still enjoy walks around your neighborhood or to nearby parks as long as you wear a mask and social distance. Gym visits and contact sports are out, but you can do workout or dance videos at home to get the exercise you need. Yard work, yoga, tai chi, weight lifting (carefully), home improvements, or deep cleaning can also provide you with exercise opportunities during the pandemic. Staying active can help keep you healthy longer.
  • Alcohol use. If you’re used to drinking alcoholic beverages, there’s nothing wrong with continuing your traditions during the pandemic. Be leery, however, of abusing this privilege as it can weaken your health and make you more susceptible to infectious diseases. Drinking to relieve the stress and pressures of coronavirus could, over time, lead to alcohol dependency or addiction. If you find yourself in this situation, get help through programs that offer alcohol abuse treatment.

 

About the author: Patrick Bailey is a professional writer mainly in the fields of mental health, addiction, alcoholic treatment programs, and living in recovery. He attempts to stay on top of the latest news in the addiction and the mental health world and enjoy writing about these topics to break the stigma associated with them.

 

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Conditions & Treatments

Older Adults and Depression

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Depression can happen at any age and many older adults find they are experiencing symptoms, including a decrease in energy and a reduced interest in hobbies and friendships.

Feeling sad and lonely isn’t a normal part of aging. The truth is having hard times can happen to anyone, at any point in life, regardless of their societal status, income level, or achievements. The difference is, sometimes when you get older, there can be more life challenges. Losing a loved one or having health issues, for example, may exacerbate depression symptoms. If this sounds familiar, reach out for help to improve your life.

Grief and Depression

Loss is incredibly painful, and this is true of losing someone we love or losing something within our own experience, such as our independence or career.

Grief can manifest in a wide range of emotions. You might be happy for a day or two and then feel bad again. Know that grieving is normal, but if your feelings of sadness extend over a long period of time, is constant, and negates all feelings of joy in your life, you could be an older adult suffering from depression.

What Are the Symptoms of Depression?

If you recognize the signs of depression it can lead to getting help sooner. While symptoms can vary from person to person (some experience one or two, others more) keep in mind the following are all signs something is wrong.

  1. Feelings of sadness
  2. Physical aches and pains, unrelated to a physical issue
  3. Not being interested in hobbies or friends
  4. Lack of energy
  5. Oversleeping or not being able to sleep enough
  6. Feelings of worthlessness
  7. Using alcohol or drugs to try to lessen pain
  8. Not bathing or taking care of personal hygiene
  9. Memory issues
  10. Weight loss or weight gain

Older Adults Can Improve Their Lives

You can always make lifestyle changes, whatever phase of life you are in. Just as a young person can learn and change so can older adults. The brain is always adapting and you can take steps to make changes for the better, even when you are an older adult with depression. Talk to a professional and work to make adjustments on your own, if you can.

Engage with the world through volunteering. Or join friends or family members for a meal, a concert, or a walk through the neighborhood. If you can’t think of who to call, consider joining a support group to be around others who are experiencing similar issues.

Also, try to infuse meaning into your life by learning new things and getting involved in the community you live in (and not dwell on missing a community from your past). You could learn to paint or take a foreign language class.

As you feel better, it will be easier to change your daily physical habits as well. Get exercise, moving your body every day when possible, and eat healthy meals by reducing carbs and sugars while boosting proteins and complex carbohydrates.

You don’t have to be an older adult experiencing depression, you deserve a happy life.

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What Type of Senior Living Facility is Right for You?
Housing Tips

What Type of Senior Living Facility is Right for You?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

You may be wondering what type of senior living facility is right for you, and you’re certainly not alone! According to Money Task Force, 70 percent of seniors require some type of long-term care services.

Choosing the right senior living facility is a big decision that’s often complicated by the number of options out there. Between home care, nursing homes and independent-living communities, it can be easy to get confused when analyzing each option. To help you make the right decision, we’ve outlined five different types of senior living facilities:

  1. Independent-Living Communities are great for those who are still active. Also known as retirement communities or 55+ communities, residents can choose from a variety of fully-equipped apartments and enjoy organized social events and outings. This option is ideal for those with few medical problems as a nursing staff is not typically on-hand, but this luxurious lifestyle comes at a hefty price – it can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500 per month.
  2. Assisted-Living (or Assisted-Care) Communities seem to be the Goldilocks of the situation as they’re ideal for those who cannot safely age in place but don’t need the round-the-clock medical care provided at nursing homes (see below). Staff is available 24 hours a day to assist residents with completing activities of daily living, and similarly to independent-living communities, frequent social activities are offered. An added benefit is that some assisted-living communities take Medicaid, but depending on how much assistance you require, the cost could range from $2,500 to $4,000 a month.
  3. As mentioned above, Nursing Homes, or Long-Term Care Facilities, have licensed nurses on-hand 24 hours a day to assist those who need extensive medical assistance and care; most residents have complex medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This type of senior living facility can cost between $4,000 and $8,000 a month, but Medicare and Medicaid is oftentimes accepted as well.
  4. A Residential Care Home is a great option for those who are looking for a more private and homelike care experience. As the name suggests, a residential care home is a private home where residents live together and receive care from live-in caregivers. Residents receive assistance in completing daily living tasks, but be sure to verify which services are offered since services and amenities vary according to each home. This is most likely the cheapest option so far on the list as it typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 a month (Medicaid may also help pay for this type of care).
  5. Don’t forget about Home Care! This option may be last on our list, but a large majority of seniors would actually prefer to age in place. As its title suggests, home care allows you to receive care right in your own home. In addition to assisting with activities of daily living, in-home caregivers may also provide transportation, medications, meals, and most importantly, companionship. Depending on one’s needs, a caregiver could be available one day a week or 24 hours a day (at a cost of about $20-$40 an hour). It’s also important to note that there are affordable tools to help you age in place. Medical alert devices allow you to receive help even if your caregiver or loved one isn’t nearby, and they are a great way to cut back on the cost of home care if you are unable to afford an in-home caregiver every day of the week.

This list is a great starting point for you and your loved ones to help you determine what type of senior living facility is right for you, but remember that there is no right or wrong answer. Consider which facility will best meet your needs, and you’ll make the right decision!

Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
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APlaceforMom.com

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7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief
Conditions & Treatments

7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Stress is the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or a response. Stress is a normal part of life. At some point, almost everyone gets stressed. 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief

Reasons

So what are the reasons seniors get stressed. As they retire, seniors leave the working world and are immersed in the world of retirement. Along with being older, retirement brings about a different set of circumstances. Some of these may cause seniors stress. Circumstances such as:

  1. Having lived in the regimented working world for over 40 years, retirement creates problems for some. From having something to do all day long for over 60 years to suddenly change and have all the time in the world. For some who aren’t prepared, this change can create stress.
  2. Some seniors may not be financially ready for retirement. Social security only provides so much income. And this causes some seniors to worry about how they will get by for the rest of their lives.
  3. Loss of companions in the same generation results in isolation and is a big stressor.
  4. Medical conditions. Also, some seniors may have or develop serious medical conditions as they age. Depending on the severity, some of these conditions may cause seniors stress.
  5. Physical limitations. Age creeps up on seniors and along with age some will develop physical issues limiting them in some way and form. Being independent for most of their lives, these limitation become challenges and source of stress.

Symptoms of Stress

How do you recognize, you are in, stress? Well, some of the more common symptoms of stress include:

  1. Worry or anxiety
  2. Panic attack
  3. Difficulty sleeping
  4. Irritability
  5. Outburst of anger
  6. Inability to concentrate
  7. Headache
  8. Self-neglect
  9. Alcohol abuse

Activities to Relieve Stress

And, here are some activities that will help relieve the stress. Most noteworthy, the first five activities are relatively easy to do. For those not familiar with the last two, they can be learned by watching you tube videos or going to classes.

  1. Go for a walk. Walking is a universally accepted way to reduce stress. Furthermore, considerable research has shown that walking as fast as you can or even jogging reduces stress. Moreover, walking can be done anywhere, so it’s an easy thing to do.
  2. Listening to music. Research has shown that listening to music helps reduce stress. Moreover, as compared to other music genres, classical music is best for relieving stress.
  3. According, to Harvard Medical School’s Department of Neurobiology, dancing helps reduce stress. And dancing to your favorite music is a fun thing to do for getting rid of stress. Moreover, if your partner is not immediately available, you can dance on your own.
  4. Take a short nap. Researchers from Sorbonne University in Paris found that a brief 30 minute nap was effective in relieving stress. So, go ahead and take that short nap when you are stressed.
  5. Be with someone close. Much research and studies have shown that being in the company of someone close to you or you enjoy, gives you relief from stress.
  6. Meditation has also been found to ease stresses like anxiety, depression and pain. And there are countless studies backing that up. If you are not familiar with mediation take a short course. Or learn it, on your own, from you tube videos.
  7. Do yoga movements. Again many studies have shown yoga reduces stress and anxiety. In fact, research has shown that yoga is better than walking to relieve stress. If you are not familiar with yoga, take classes or learn some basic elements from you tube videos.

Finally, once the stress is gone and you are feeling better, figure out ways to resolve the issue(s) causing you stress.
https://www.fitnessreporting.com
Lisa Anderson, Master’s in Nursing, working on a PhD. Been a visiting nurse for many years. Interested in connection between staying fit and health. Creator of the website.
7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief 7 Best Ways for Seniors to get Stress Relief
 

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Recognizing Depression in Older People
Conditions & Treatments

Recognizing Depression in Older People

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Did you get a sense of unhappiness or discontent in elderly relatives when you last saw them? It might be easy to write this off as a bad day, but it could be possible that the person is experiencing a more pronounced depression that they might struggle to communicate clearly. Recognizing Depression in Older People
Depression in older people can often go unnoticed, either through failing to recognize it or the senior citizen doing their utmost to conceal it. Keeping it bottled up is the worst thing to do; if you spot an elderly relative who seems unhappy, talk to them about it. That could be the conversation they crave and, in knowing that someone truly cares, their depression might ease considerably, if not disappear entirely.

Thanks to Be Independent Home Care for supplying this helpful infographic on how to recognize signs of depression in older people and what you can do to help seniors who are experiencing depression.
Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People Recognizing Depression in Older People

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Aging

5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

For many years, researchers have been studying the phenomenon of “use it or lose it.” The phrase refers to the aging process in that if you don’t use your mind, it will start to become more difficult to use it. Some studies have found that this may not be the case, and it’s more accurate to say that it just takes longer for older people to learn new information. It could also be that when you use your mind more, it’s easier to learn than if you did not. Whether “use it or lose it” is correct or not, no one can deny the benefits of exercising the mind – learning new information and improved mental health. 5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

What You Can Do

With just a few minutes each day, you can slow down cognitive decline as you age. Consider adding these activities into your days. 5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

Read

Reading the newspaper, online articles, or books are all good ways to keep your mind active. Be sure to use good reading glasses if you have trouble seeing, so you don’t experience headaches. If you’re unable to read for long, just do it for five minutes or so each time.

Volunteer

One reason older individuals suffer from cognitive decline is because they’ve retired, so their minds aren’t challenged as much. Volunteering can replace some of the cognitive benefits you received from your job. You don’t have to volunteer full-time, but there’s scientific evidence that 15 or more hours a week is most effective.

Brain Games

Puzzles and other brain games such as what Luminosity offers can help slow down cognitive decline. The reasoning is the same as when you were working full time – when you challenge your brain, it causes new neuron connections, which helps your mind stay just as sharp as it was when you were employed.

Exercise

Exercise isn’t only good for your body, but for your mind as well. Your brain helps you move your body because it tells your joints what to do to move. This is why exercising helps. It’s best to try new exercises each day, so it makes your mind work harder to learn the new maneuvers.

Visit the Doctor

Cognitive decline is a side effect of medical conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. It’s important to be assessed for these conditions and get treated for them, so your mind doesn’t become affected by them. 5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline
It can be difficult to feel motivated to exercise your mind and body, but it’s vitally important as you age. If you need help, consider contacting Kendall Van Blarcom – personal consultant.
A personal consultant can help you slow down the cognitive effects of aging by finding out why you’re not motivated to incorporated some of these tips into your days. He can also coach you along to help you achieve your goals when it comes to keeping your mind active and healthy. Call Kendall today to learn more about personal consulting and how it can help you.

5 Ways to Slow Down Cognitive Decline

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Organizing Care for an Aging Loved One
Caregiving

Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

The time has come. You made the decision to put your older parent in a nursing home or assisted living facility. You didn’t necessarily want to do it, but you know deep down inside it’s best. Why do you feel so guilty and sad about it, though? How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home
The answer lies in how you’re dealing with the decision of putting your older parent in a home. Even though it may be the best decision for your mom or dad, it’s what you’re thinking and believing about yourself that matters. How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

Not Good Enough

Many people who decide to put their older parent in a home feel as though they are just not good enough to care for their mom or dad adequately. They usually don’t have the time or feel they don’t have the skills.
Just because you believe you aren’t good enough doesn’t mean that you’re not. Actually, you probably are giving your mom and dad just the right amount and quality of care needed. You may be too hard on yourself.

Lazy

You may feel as though you are lazy. While you want to care for your older parent, a part of you really doesn’t want the work that comes along with it.
There’s nothing wrong with this because it is a lot of work. Caregiving is demanding – phsysically, emotionally, and mentally.
You are NOT lazy just because you have decided you don’t want to devote all of your spare time to taking care of your parent. You are choosing to protect the relationship you have with your parent, by not ruining it with resentment when you feel as though you’ve had enough after a long day of caregiving.

Selfish

You may feel as though you are selfish. Taking care of your older parent may not fall into your schedule as nicely as you would like it to, so you feel guilty about not doing it. You don’t have to feel this way, and you are NOT selfish.
You are thinking of your older parent when you decide to put him or her in a home. You are trying to provide your mom or dad with a good place for them to live where they will have everything they need. If you were selfish, you would ONLY think of yourself, and wouldn’t care where they lived or how they cared for themselves.
Pat yourself on the back. You’re stepping up and caring for your older parents.

Beliefs

Some people have a belief they MUST care for their aging parents. They believe it makes them a bad person if they don’t do it. This is untrue.
You are not obligated to care for your parents. Sure, it’s a nice thing to do, but finding a safe, healthy home for your parent is also nice.
Not all beliefs people have are warranted. You made up that belief because you felt as though that’s what you should do – it’s not what you need to do. If you can remember that, a lot of the pressure you’re putting on yourself will be relieved.
Are you still feeling bad about putting your older parents in a home? I understand how hard it is for you. That’s why I work as a personal consultant. I help people just like you deal with situations such as this, so they feel better about themselves and their situation in life. Book a session with me now. We can tackle the feelings and thoughts you’re having, so you can feel good about yourself again.
How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home How to Deal with Putting Your Older Parent in a Home

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