5 Small Ways to Cheer Up an Elderly Relative Who Lives In a Nursing Home
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Assisted living can, in so many ways, be beneficial to elderly residents.
Having round-the-clock care services can put older folks at ease and provide them with some comfort while at the same time allowing you to attend to important matters.
But nursing homes can sometimes feel like “imprisonment” to mature individuals, especially those who feel like a part of their lives is being robbed.
But even these older kin can do just fine in a nursing home with a little cheering up!
Read on to discover some ways you can get an elderly relative or friend cheered up while in a nursing home.
Reasons to Cater to the Happiness Needs of the Seniors
Aging is a circumstantial factor and one that cannot be avoided or reversed.
Maintaining good health while aging is among the critical factors that might flout a person’s immune system and overall well-being.
Aged persons need to be in a comfort zone to help reduce and minimize the chance of contracting ailments.
They need to be happy, feel cared for, and loved.
With this in mind, below are five small ways to cheer up a senior friend in a nursing home.
1. Visit Them More Often
Older folks love spending time with their younger loved ones, and that’s for a fact.
This is why you should visit your elderly loved ones in a nursing home often.
One thing is sure to make your next visit a big success and one that can be edged in the memory of your loved one.
You will want to be supportive, keep your focus on spending some quality time with them, and be comfortable around them.
Below are some fun ways to make such visits count.
- Bring some family members along;
- Enjoy some good music tunes together;
- Reminisce on some old pictures;
- Tag your furry friend along;
- Bring some home-cooked meals with you.
2. Listen and Learn
There’s no denying that a good conversation can help get rid of some negativity.
Your loved one will want to know about your progress, how other family members are doing, and the nitty gritties that might be on account.
Whenever there’s such a talk, ensure to keep it friendly.
Such a tone can help calm them down if any issues need to be addressed.
3. Room Decorations Are Important
You’ll want your elderly loved ones to feel comfortable even when far away from home.
You can manage this by having their room redecorated and updated with familiar colors, pictures, and other items they can easily remember.
This is a welcoming gesture as it will help to put them at ease and bring in the much-needed homely effect.
4. Take Them Out
While there might be some restrictions in most elderly homes, you might be allowed to take your loved ones out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Take advantage of the little time you have to treat them right and expose them to the outside world.
5. Protect Their Rights: Beware of Signs of Abuse and Neglect
The mere fact that they are in a nursing home shouldn’t be a reason for you to neglect their happiness requirements.
Nursing home abuse cases have been on the rise in recent years, and this is a worrying trend that needs addressing.
Always make a point to help them feel protected by following up on their wellbeing and checking for any signs of mistreatment.
And if abuse is apparent, a nursing home lawyer should be the first person to contact.
T
hey can help ensure that your elderly loved one gets justice.
Among the various signs of abuse in elderlies living in nursing homes may include:
- Bruises, cuts, and broken bones;
- Malnourishment;
- Poor hygiene;
- Loss of money and unexplained transactions;
- Anxiety, confusion, or depression;
- Withdrawal from friends and family.
Assisted living can be tough, especially if loved ones aren’t as involved as they should be.
Placing a dear one in a nursing home will also come with some difficulties.
The above ideas can be a great start in establishing some good ties and fostering the continuity of a cherished relationship.
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