How Can You Help Your Elderly Parent Practice Self-Care?

Self-care is important for everyone. However, sometimes we forget that our elderly loved ones need to practice self-care. They might not think of it on their own either. If you look at your elderly parent and the life they are living, does it seem like they could use some self-care? If so, then, there are ways that you and their caregivers can help them to practice self-care more often.  

Eat Right

Caregiver Smyrna, GA: Practicing Self-Care

One of the best tips for practicing self-care is to eat right. The way that your elderly parent eats is affecting their life – good or bad. If your elderly loved one eats right, they will have more energy, be happier, feel less tired throughout the day, and just live a better life. If your elderly parent needs some encouragement or help with eating right, you and the caregivers can assist them. You can ensure they are eating more nutritious and fulfilling meals. Many elderly people would only eat microwave meals if someone wasn’t telling them or making them do otherwise.  

Exercise Daily 

How often does your elderly parent exercise? If they aren’t exercising much at all, they may be in more pain. They might get tired when they shouldn’t be. In addition, a lack of exercise can lead to depression, angry outbursts, decreased balance, and other health problems. If you want to help your elderly parent to practice self-care, you should motivate them to exercise daily. Even a short walk can be enough to help your parent feel good. If you can’t be at your parent’s home to encourage them to exercise, you can hire caregivers to motivate your loved one in this area of self-care.  

Sleeping Well 

Research shows that many elderly people aren’t getting enough sleep. Your elderly parent should be getting between 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Maybe your elderly parent has trouble going to sleep. Maybe they are waking up numerous times each night. If this is the case, you should encourage them to develop better routines in the evening and morning. They should make sure their room is dark and quiet. If your parent isn’t able to sleep well, even after making certain lifestyle changes, you or one of the caregivers can take them to a doctor’s appointment to determine what is causing their sleep issues.  

Conclusion 

It is very important for your elderly parent to practice self-care. There are many ways that they can do this. Some of the things they can do include sleeping better, eating right, and exercising daily. If your parent has a difficult time doing these things on their own, you and the caregivers can work together to motivate them.  

 

If you or an aging loved-one is considering a Caregiver in Smyrna GA,  please contact the caring staff at Universal Home Care And Services, Inc today (678) 426-2701 

 

Sources 

https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog/2019-05-08-self-care-tips-for-sleep-nutrition-and-well-being