How to Help Seniors Battle Negativity

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How to Keep Seniors from Being Negative in Tucson, AZ

A variety of stressors and ailments can potentially put seniors at risk for developing a negative mental attitude. However, it’s important to help them focus on the positive side of life because emotional health often has a direct impact on mental and physical wellbeing. Tucson at-home care professionals share some ways you can help your elderly loved one fight against negativity.

Don’t Ignore the Early Warning Signs

Just like any other medical or psychological condition, catching feelings of sadness and apathy early on can make it easier to turn the situation around. Some of the most common signs of negativity in seniors include a decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, and a lack of interest in activities they once enjoyed. Not only can these issues hurt your loved one psychologically, but they can eventually affect his or her physical health as well.

Talk It Out

If your loved one loses the ability to drive or is upset about the death of a friend, it is important to realize he or she has years of emotions and memories to manage. Small gestures such as offering transportation for your loved one or making a meal for him or her are a great start, but talking through the feelings is just as important. In many cases, simply having a conversation and being supportive can help your loved one move past the negative emotions.

Don’t Overwhelm with Support

One of the reasons many seniors feel sad is because they no longer feel valuable or productive. Helping your loved one with chores and errands might seem like an effective way to show support, but coddling him or her may reinforce those feelings of inadequacy. Tucson caregivers should make sure their loved ones still have tasks and activities they can manage independently so they continue to have a sense of purpose.

Schedule a Checkup

Happiness is the result of countless chemical reactions taking place in the brain. Practically anything affecting your loved one physically could also be altering his or her emotions. Seniors who have suddenly become more negative should receive a full checkup to ensure there are no medical problems such as a hormonal imbalance or unusual reaction to medication affecting their thoughts.

The combination of social stimulation and maintaining physical health can help your loved one live a longer and healthier life. Consider hiring a professional caregiver from Home Care Assistance to ensure your loved one has the support he or she needs. Our caregivers can help with a wide array of daily tasks, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. For more information on live-in and hourly care Tucson seniors can rely on, call one of our friendly Care Managers at (520) 276-6555 today.

 

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