Elderly Home Care and Depression in Seniors
Senior Health | February 8, 2021
What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB Needs to Know About Depression and the Benefits of In-Home Care
Elderly Home Care and Depression | No matter what age we are, living a life of purpose, connection, and joy is critical for our physical and mental well-being. For older adults, a variety of obstacles like vision loss, social isolation, mobility problems, and memory issues can make enjoying life more difficult.
Elderly Home Care and Depression: Why Should Seniors Focus on Their Mental Health?
- Socially isolated seniors have a 59% greater risk of mental and physical decline than those who do not experience social isolation (Forbes).
- The health effects of social isolation and loneliness on seniors are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per day (AARP.org).
- Depression in the elderly is associated with an increased risk of cardiac diseases and risk of death from illness (WebMD).
Signs of depression in seniors can include a change in attitude, self-isolation, weight loss, fatigue, or lack of interest in once-enjoyable activities.
For older adults who want to improve their quality of life through enhanced mental health, there are a few things they can do to kick off their healthy habits.
Elderly Home Care and Depression: Four Healthy Habits for Seniors
Tip #1 – Exercise:
Seniors should always consult with a physician before starting any physical activity or fitness program. Seniors that are able, and approved, to exercise may see increased physical and mental wellness. Exercise has been proven to have a positive effect on the brain.
Tip #2 – Connection:
At any age, many people find joy in spending time with family and friends. Social isolation can be a problem for seniors who have mobility issues or aren’t able to drive, or who have loved ones who live far away. However, some services can help overcome these issues, including transportation help, in-home care assistance, technology that fosters connection, and other outside sources of help.
Tip #3 – Volunteering:
Sharing time and talents doing volunteer work can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Many organizations have programs and volunteer opportunities specifically geared to older adults.
Tip #4 – Spending time on joyful activities:
Everyone has a different interest or hobby that brings joy, whether that’s music, art, dance, gardening, or games. Seniors should try to spend time doing something that brings them happiness daily to improve their quality of life.
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services
Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness.
Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta
Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a wider range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care and more!
Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™
Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life.
Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.
Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services.
What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?
CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like, Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.
Accredited Home Care Edmonton
Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, MB.
To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.
References
WebMD. “Depression in the Elderly.” Web.
Healthline. “Geriatric Depression (Depression in Older Adults).” Web.
Mental Health Commission of Canada. “Seniors”. Web.
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