How to Bring a Smile to a Senior’s Face

The more your aging loved one smiles, the better his or her mood will be. Smiling can lower stress levels, prevent boredom and isolation, decrease the odds of developing heart disease, and stave off diabetes. Take a look at some of the ways you can make your loved one smile.

Put on a Musical Performance 

Although you could take your loved one to the local theater, a personalized performance is bound to put a smile on his or her face. Enlist help from other family members, especially your loved one’s grandchildren, and perform some of his or her favorite songs. Your loved one will see how much time you put into this performance and appreciate the gesture. Putting on a musical performance is a fun family activity that can instantly boost your loved one’s mood, put a smile on his or her face, and enhance his or her quality of life.

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers in Columbus can help them achieve this goal. Home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

Do Arts & Crafts Together 

Arts and crafts bring joy and a sense of purpose to aging adults, and these hobbies also promote creativity. Some of the crafts seniors can enjoy include painting pictures, sewing clothing or accessories, and creating holiday objects. Doing arts and crafts allows your loved one to express him or herself in a creative way, which could boost his or her mood. Consider doing arts and crafts with your loved one to strengthen the bond the two of you share.

Promote Independence 

Seniors who maintain some control of their lives are happy most of the time because a sense of achievement can increase their self-worth. Although you should be nearby to prevent accidents and injuries, only step in when your loved one needs assistance. If your loved one is still able to bathe, cook, and clean up around the home independently, let him or her do these tasks. Knowing you trust him or her to do things independently could boost your parent’s mood and result in a smile or two. 

Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional around-the-clock home care service Columbus, OH, seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated around-the-clock caregiver.

Give a Compliment

When you go out of your way to praise your loved one or say something nice, you can boost his or her confidence and self-esteem. Giving a genuine compliment is the easiest way to lift your loved one’s mood and put a smile on his or her face. Other benefits of giving seniors compliments include increasing their productivity, decreasing their stress levels, and alleviating pain. Giving your loved one a compliment could take the focus off negative emotions and lead to a smile.

Encourage Socialization

Socially engaged seniors are often happy and full of energy. Interacting with other people is human nature, and it’s good for the mind and the body. Companionship and interaction lead to the release of endorphins in the body, which can lower stress levels and boost mood. You can promote socialization by encouraging your loved one to attend community functions, sign up for classes, or volunteer at the local library. Engaging in social activities can lead to a positive mood and many smiles.

If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of senior care. Assisting Hands Home Care Columbus is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. Call us at 614-678-5887 to learn about our comprehensive in-home care plans.