Almost 5% of Americans 65 or older have at least one serious mental health disorder. Depression is the most common, but anxiety and bipolar disorder are also at the top of the list. Did you know that senior home care aides can help your dad age at home when he’s experiencing mental health issues?
Caregivers Provide Companionship
One of the first ways caregivers help when your dad has mental health issues is by being there. He can rely on his caregiver for companionship. He feels lonely, especially after his spouse or partner died, and you’re not close enough to visit more than once a month.
Hire caregivers for companionship services. His caregiver can see how he’s doing, spend time with him during meals, and engage him in activities like board games, daily walks, or time in the sun.
Your Dad’s Not Isolated
Even though you’re not close by, your dad doesn’t have to be isolated. He may not drive, but that doesn’t mean his caregiver can’t take him to the places he needs to go.
He shouldn’t have to wait until you’re available to do things like shop for groceries, visit his friends in neighboring towns, or see his sister at her assisted living community. His caregiver can help him with transportation.
Caregivers Get Your Dad Out of the House
What if your dad never leaves his home? He’s experiencing agoraphobia due to his anxiety, and he fears leaving the house without someone by his side. You can’t be there every day, so he never leaves.
Hire caregivers to join him on walks around his yard. As he gets used to that, his caregiver can encourage him to walk down the street, and then around the block. He’ll start exercising more, which also helps ease many symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Your Dad Has Someone to Provide Nutritious Meals
Diets that are high in added sugar and processed ingredients can drag you down. To help his mental health, your dad needs to follow a healthy diet. He needs whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and a lot of fresh produce.
He may not be up to cooking the meals he needs. Hire caregivers to help him plan weekly menus for meals and snacks and prepare those dishes for him.
Caregivers Remind Your Dad to Take His Medications
After seeing his doctor, your dad was prescribed an antidepressant, but he never remembers to take it. Hire caregivers to offer medication reminders. The caregiver will remind your dad when it’s time to take his pill and make sure he’s taken it.
Your Dad’s Medical Appointments Don’t Go Ignored
When your dad lives by himself, he may forget he has an appointment coming up. He might forget to schedule follow-up visits as recommended. While the office might call him to remind him or urge him to schedule, he may not answer the phone or check his messages.
A caregiver can remind him to schedule those appointments or even schedule them for him. He can rely on his caregiver for reminders and even transportation if he needs a ride.
Call a senior home care agency to learn more about these services. When your dad has a caregiver’s help, his mental health needs are addressed in a timely manner. A senior home care advisor helps you make the arrangements.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Westchase, FL , please contact the caring staff at R.B. Home Health Services, Inc today. 305-220-6309
Sources:
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/pep19-olderadults-smi.pdf