Ways to Stay Mentally Sharp when Providing Care for a Senior in Your Life

Senior Care in Calgary SW

Supporting an elderly individual can be emotionally, physically, and even mentally taxing at times. It may not seem like it at first, especially when supporting an aging parent, grandparent, or other loved one. Many people decide to be family caregivers out of a sense of responsibility or even guilt. People often feel guilty for even recommending or suggesting professional senior care services, which leads them to feel worse about themselves. They dont want their elderly loved one to feel unwanted, like they dont care and dont want to take the responsibility to care of them.

However, hiring professional senior care services, especially through a homecare agency, is a great idea for people from all walks of life and really shows how much people care. Not only is it the best choice for seniors, but it is beneficial for family caregivers, too. When caring for a senior loved one, caregivers often neglect themselves, both physically and mentally.

While people tend to focus on physical health, staying mentally sharp is just as important. When people exercise their brain on a daily basis, they tend to be more productive, have a better attitude, and generally feel better. In addition, brain exercises, at any age, can prevent the onset of memory loss and even reduce the risk of developing some forms of dementia, including Alzheimers.

Here are some ways family caregivers can stay mentally sharp:

1. Hire an experienced senior care service provider. Experienced caregivers that work through an agency can provide a great bit of support for family caregivers. Thats because they can be hired for just one day a week or every day of the week, depending on the needs of the senior.

2. Do the crossword puzzle every day. Just picking up the crossword puzzle and working on it for half an hour every day can provide great benefits for mental health and well-being.

3. Reading a good book. More people have a tendency to sit down in front of the TV and watch programs rather than reading, but watching TV is a passive activity that doesnt provide much mental benefit. Reading a book helps to exercise the mind and that keeps it mentally sharp.