Caring for a senior loved one is a journey filled with love, dedication, and compassion, but it’s also one that can come with unique challenges. Mental health concerns such as stress, anxiety, and depression are not uncommon among seniors, and as caregivers or family members, it’s natural to want to support their well-being. At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, we believe that prioritizing mental wellness is just as important as physical health. By encouraging your loved ones to participate in meaningful and accessible activities, you can play an important role in promoting their happiness and peace of mind.
Here are some tools, techniques and activities that our Port Coquitlam long-term care home recommends seniors engage in to enhance mental health and well-being while keeping stress levels at bay.
Encourage Physical Activity
Exercise is a healthy way to reduce stress and improve mood. For seniors, this doesn’t necessarily have to include an intense workout regimen but rather gentle, enjoyable activities that promote movement. Something as simple as a daily walk around the seniors community’s grounds, stretching, participating in light group exercises like cardio drumming, or doing light gardening are great ways to get movement in while staying socially connected. Those with mobility issues may consider trying chair yoga, which can work wonders for promoting mental clarity and relaxation. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters, and can also help improve sleep quality. At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, we offer a number of group fitness classes every month to help keep seniors active in a safe and social setting. If feeling shy, seniors can invite friends and family members to join in for added comfort and peace of mind.
Tip: Visit our recent post that features helpful wheelchair fitness tips for seniors to explore additional accessible fitness options.
Promote Social Connection
Loneliness and isolation are common contributors to anxiety and depression among seniors. That’s why our Port Coquitlam long-term care residence makes it a priority to provide a home-like environment for seniors to feel comfortable and supported. Between thoughtfully designed common areas for seniors to connect in, a robust events and activities calendar, pet therapy sessions, and daily meal service in the dining room, the possibilities for seniors to build meaningful connections are endless. Whether it’s participating in group games, attending one of Shaughnessy Seniors Community’s movie nights, or sharing meals with other residents, fostering connections can create a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Tip: Organizing family visits or video calls with relatives is a helpful way of making seniors feel included and valued.
Inspire Creative Expression
Artistic activities can be incredibly therapeutic. Painting, drawing, knitting, gardening, or writing can help seniors express their emotions in a safe and creative way. For seniors who love music, joining a singing group or simply listening to fondly remembered songs can be a great way of lifting spirits. Creative pursuits not only alleviate stress but also provide a sense of accomplishment and joy.
Take it Outside
Spending time outdoors is a natural stress reliever. If possible, encourage short outings to nearby parks or gardens, or even spending time in the serenity of Shaughnessy’s beautiful courtyard and garden space, where plenty of uplifting plants and greenery are available to admire. Nature has a calming effect on the mind and can inspire feelings of connection and serenity. Plus, Shaughnessy Seniors Community is conveniently located near beautiful outdoor spaces that make it easy for seniors to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and sunshine. With weekly bus outings, seniors of our long-term care home are encouraged to join in and enjoy a change of scenery.
West Coast winters can be a dark and dreary time, with inclement weather and fewer hours of sunlight; with this in mind, many older adults may experience Vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to symptoms like cognitive decline, depression and anxiety. Speak with a healthcare provider to determine if supplementing with Vitamin D is a possibility for boosting mental well-being.
Encourage Professional Support
Sometimes, the best way to support mental health is by seeking help from professionals. If your loved one is showing signs of depression or chronic anxiety, encourage them to speak with a counsellor or therapist as a vital step toward improved mental well-being. Shaughnessy Seniors Community provides 24-hour accredited nursing care, ensuring seniors have access to resources and support on demand.
Create Opportunities for Purposeful Living
Many seniors thrive when they feel they have a sense of purpose. Encourage your loved one to engage in volunteer activities, whether it’s helping organize events within the seniors care home in Port Coquitlam or contributing to small community projects. Activities that provide a sense of contribution can enhance self-esteem and reduce feelings of helplessness.
Foster a Routine
A consistent daily routine can help reduce stress and create a sense of stability for seniors. Work with your loved one to develop a schedule that includes time for meals, exercise, social activities, and relaxation. Having a predictable structure can bring comfort and make the day feel more manageable. At Shaughnessy Seniors Community, we are proud to offer seniors reliable, rewarding activities to enrich their daily lives. Movie nights, chair yoga classes, and our routine daily meal service are just a few of the perks seniors of our Tri-Cities long-term care home can look forward to.
Managing Stress, One Step at a Time
By encouraging seniors to participate in activities that promote joy, connection, and relaxation, we can help them navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and positivity. At our Port Coquitlam long-term care residence, we are committed to creating an environment where seniors can thrive emotionally and mentally. Together, we can empower your loved ones to embrace life with a renewed sense of hope and happiness.
Searching for a safe, flexible, and connected private care home for a loved one? Shaughnessy Seniors Community in Port Coquitlam offers ‘round-the-clock accredited nursing care and thoughtful amenities designed to enrich daily living. Each furnished private suite combines the comforts of home with an abundance of natural light to create an inspired living environment. Book a tour to explore all that this Port Coquitlam private care home has to offer.