If you have a senior loved one, you care about their well-being and want the best for them. While the physical health of senior loved ones is often a top priority, their mental health can sometimes be overlooked. However, a variety of factors can affect senior mental health, including isolation in their homes, memory problems, and mobility difficulties. Luckily, here are some elderly care tips to help you look after your loved one's mental health.

How to Help a Senior Loved One Take Care of Their Mental Health

1. Learn the Warning Signs of Poor Mental Health

If your loved one is struggling with their mental health, they will often display some signs that they may not be doing their best. Review the signs of mental health issues in seniors to help you identify symptoms as they arise and create a wellness plan for your loved one. For example, some common symptoms include restlessness, anger, too much or too little sleep, changes in eating habits, and participation in high-risk activities. When you notice these signs, it's important to sit down with your loved one and have a conversation about their mental health to make sure they feel supported.

2. Encourage Them to Exercise

Mobility issues and other physical limitations may leave your loved one less inclined to exercise. However, senior-friendly workouts, such as walking, swimming, chair yoga, and weight training with light dumbbells, can provide near-immediate mental health boosts. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are feel-good brain chemicals that reduce pain and improve your mood to help your loved one feel their best. Regular exercise can also help your loved one sleep better, which has been shown to boost mental health over time.

3. Stay Connected

Long bouts of solitude can leave your loved one feeling lonely or isolated. To keep their spirits lifted, it's important to get creative with your regular communication. In addition to scheduling visits and outings whenever you can, encourage video conference calls with other family members. Video conference apps are typically easy to use and are more popular than ever because of COVID-19-related social distancing. You can even help your loved one set up a social calendar to make sure they are consistently interacting with others to protect their mental health. 

For professional elderly care services that encourage physical and mental wellness, contact Mt. Washington Care Center in Cincinnati, OH. The senior living facility serves all of Eastern Cincinnati and Western Clermont County, providing a full suite of elderly care services, including rehabilitative, respite, and memory care. Call (513) 231-4561 or visit the website today to learn more.