Experiencing a high quality of life is important for older adults. Home care services are an integral component of maintaining a good standard of living, especially since the elderly prefer to age in place. Caregivers can take further steps to improve the welfare for seniors.

What is quality of life?

Quality of life can be described as the degree to which seniors enjoy health, comfort, and the ability to participate in pleasurable pursuits or events. Numerous dimensions, with some being subjective, are involved in achieving a quality of life that is considered optimal.

Physical health is an obvious indicator of quality of life. Distressing physical symptoms, such as pain, nausea, and constipation, can reduce a senior’s quality of life—while the absence of them can improve it. Seniors experience a greater quality of life with a highly functioning physical status.

Emotional well-being similarly impacts quality of life. Feeling happiness enhances quality of life, while chronic anxiety and isolation can reduce it. When a senior has a high level of cognitive functioning and is able to pursue enjoyable activities, a higher quality of life is experienced.

Meaningful relationships are equally vital to supporting a good quality of life. High-quality, close interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and even caregivers are instrumental in improving quality of life. Seniors who are satisfied with current care situations feel they live better.

How do caregivers improve seniors’ quality of life?

Caregivers, whether informal or formal, can improve a senior’s quality of life. Remember that an aging adult’s perspective on quality of life can change. The death of a spouse, for instance, can influence their perspective. Aging at home, on the other hand, can enhance quality of life.

1. Instill Purpose

Long after retiring, seniors can be motivated to feel a continued sense of purpose. Caregivers are encouraged to involve elderly loved ones in activities. If a senior is cognitively or physically impaired, participating in even small tasks, like folding laundry or cutting vegetables, helps them feel useful.

Volunteering for a meaningful cause gives seniors a sense of purpose, too—and a good quality of life is equated with feeling a strong sense of purpose. Older adults can volunteer with children or mentor young professionals. Even helping out a neighbor in need is rewarding.

2. Schedule Exercise

Daily exercise is beneficial to both mind and body. Physically active seniors enjoy lower blood pressure, better sleep quality, an enhanced immune system, and improved heart health. Their strength and stamina improve, all of which contribute to physical health and quality of life.

Seniors who are physically fit are better able to perform daily activities independently. Many older people express satisfaction when they are able to accomplish everyday tasks on their own. It’s no surprise, since independently completing tasks boosts self-esteem and confidence.

3. Stimulate the Brain

Just as physical exercise benefits the aging body, mentally stimulating activities enhance alertness. Caregivers might play card games with care recipients, assemble jigsaw puzzles, or complete together crossword puzzles that will engage their minds and keep them sharp—which improve quality of life.

Brain training is shown to build up working memory. Incorporate different types of cognitive-related activities to ensure the brain remains stimulated by new learning. Cognitive training should be combined with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep for maximum benefit.

4. Preserve Relationships

Meaningful relationships with friends, family, and the community are important. An active social life is shown to help seniors feel happier, suffer from fewer health problems, and enjoy a better quality of life overall. Caregivers can transport the elderly to senior centers for social events to promote sociability.

Companion caregivers are critical to the social health of seniors who are immobile or homebound. These professionals engage in pleasant conversations, initiate craft projects, or join them in recreational pursuits in an effort to prevent loneliness and social isolation, which are detrimental to quality of life.

5. Promote Independence

Older adults thrive with independence and control over their lives. Staying independent can be achieved in part by eating nutritiously, staying physically active, and drinking alcohol in moderation. Seniors should receive an annual physical exam, visit the dentist, and stay up to date on vaccinations.

Home modifications can also boost independence and lead to an improved quality of life; install grab bars in the shower and by the toilet, add extra lighting in the hallways, and remove clutter from walkways. Caregivers are usually tasked with making minor adaptations to the home that boost independence.

A positive mindset is also important to improving quality of life. Focus on building meaningful connections, practicing healthy thinking, promoting physical wellness, and finding a sense of purpose. These four components are important in developing resilience to the ups and downs of life.

Care decisions should factor in the senior’s quality of life—and home care is oftentimes the number one choice for aging individuals. When you need quality in-home senior care, turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. We offer compassionate care at home that allow seniors to age in place.

Our dependable home care services are non-medical in nature yet comprehensive. Responsibilities our professional caregivers undertake include help with personal hygiene tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping, medication reminders, transportation to doctors’ offices, recreation or other appointments, light housekeeping, and pleasant companionship.

Families and their elderly loved ones feel peace of mind knowing that each of our caregivers is licensed, bonded, insured, and has passed a background check. Caregivers are also skilled in CPR and First Aid and are trained to respond swiftly and appropriately to emergencies.

Quality of life is improved with the support of caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care. We nourish not only seniors’ physical health but their emotional well-being. Caregivers provide companionship to seniors, encourage their independence, and help them live a life of purpose.

Families with elderly loved ones living in West Palm Beach, Florida, will find reliable in-home support when they choose Assisting Hands Home Care. Schedule an in-home consultation, and we’ll develop a flexible, customized care plan for the senior in your life. Call today to start quality elder care.