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5 Strategies for Reducing Depression in Seniors

The likelihood of loneliness and depression increases with age, which can present serious obstacles to mental and emotional health. A number of things, including losing loved ones, health problems, and fewer social connections, might make these emotions worse. Seniors can, however, actively address these problems and have happy, connected lives if they are equipped with the appropriate strategies and have support from home care.

Keep Socializing

While it might be difficult, especially at first, it’s important for seniors to keep up with social ties. Home care and loved ones can encourage seniors to maintain regular phone conversations, video chats, or in-person visits with friends and other family members. Additionally, they may enjoy meeting new people by attending community events, going to the senior center, or even volunteering.

Focus on Physical Activity

Exercise has been shown to elevate mood and reduce depressive symptoms. This is thanks to the rush of endorphins, which are naturally occurring mood enhancers that are released during exercise. Engaging in social activities such as walking, swimming, or senior-specific group exercise courses might help counteract loneliness by fostering social connection. This is also good for seniors’ overall health, as they should shoot for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days a week. While they may feel shy starting out, home care can help them take the first steps.

Enjoy Hobbies and Interests

It’s easier to socialize when there are a group of like-minded people in the setting. With this in mind, seniors should be encouraged to seek out ways they can enjoy their hobbies and socialize at the same time, such as with a quilting group, book club, or gardening club. The same goes for their interests. If they like music, they should attend the local concert in town. The more they branch out of their comfort zone, the more their depression subsides.

Consider Getting a Pet

A quick cure for loneliness or depression is to add a pet into the mix. Pets offer company, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote exercise—especially if they’re a dog that needs frequent walks. However, it’s important to keep seniors’ budget and physical capabilities in mind when considering if they should get a pet and what type. If it is determined that owning a pet won’t work, they may enjoy volunteering at a shelter instead.

Engage Mentally

Feelings of depression can be avoided by keeping the mind active. Reading, solving puzzles, playing games, learning a new language, and engaging in other cognitively stimulating activities might help divert the mind from unpleasant thoughts. For seniors, they should schedule time each day to engage their minds. Even better? Home care and loved ones can encourage them to continually try new things, which not only keeps them engaged but also reduces boredom.

Seek Professional Advice

Even with the best of intentions, depression symptoms can occasionally linger. In these situations, getting expert assistance is essential. Senior-specific counseling, therapy, or support groups can offer invaluable coping mechanisms for depression and loneliness. Also, with the rise in technology, many therapists now offer virtual appointments, which can be easier for seniors.

Senior depression and loneliness can be avoided with a proactive strategy that incorporates mental, physical, and social stimulation. By utilizing the tips above and getting support from home care and loved ones, seniors can actively work to reduce these feelings and improve their overall health and well-being.

Sources:
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/depression/depression-in-older-adults
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/depression-in-elderly

If you are considering home care in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616

Wanted! Business Development Liaison

Wanted!
😊 Not Dead, But ALIVE 😊
Business Development Liaison

Golden Heart Senior Care is looking for a Business Development Liaison to replace a team member who is SAD TO LEAVE 😢, but soon to retire. This is a full-time position that answers directly to the BEST OWNER EVER! 😉 This position is responsible for developing new partnerships with hospitals, SNF, and Acute Centers, and extending relationships with our current referral base. Compensation is salary and performance based with an opportunity for growth within the organization. The ideal candidate does not need experience in medical or home care business development, but will possess the following traits:

• Self-Starter • Passionate for Home Care • Works Well With Others
• Goal Driven • Be Relatable To Others • Takes Direction Well
• Organized • Professional Appearance • Works Well Alone
• A Secure Individual • Speaks With Confidence • Needs Limited Supervision
• Responsible • Loves To Learn and Grow • Loves Their Job 😊

If this position interests you, please call Nicole at 702-268-4399 so we can discuss it with you. Golden Heart is an AMAZING place to work ACCORDING TO THE BEST OWNER EVER😁, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Call 702-268-4399 For More Information

 

Employee of the Month – August 2024

Golden Heart Senior Care is proud to announce that Ashley Lee was selected the Employee of the Month for August 2024. Ashley is originally from Louisiana and is married with one son. Ashley has been a caregiver for more than three years. She started caregiving to help her mother. Ashley enjoys caregiving as she likes to see the “smiles” on the faces of her clients. Please join us in welcoming Ashley as “Simply the Best” for August 2024!

Employee of the Month – July 2024

Please join Golden Heart Senior Care in welcoming Melanie Montano as its Employee of the Month for July 2024.

Melanie is a single mom with three daughters and also is a nursing student. She has been a caregiver for approximately 1 1/2 years. She likes caregiving because it contributes positively to society by helping those who cannot fully care for themselves..

Golden Heart is very fortunate to have such wonderful caregivers such as Melanie. Please join us in congratulating Melanie as “Simply the Best.”

Golden Heart Employee of the Month For May 2024

Golden Heart Senior Care is proud to announce that Giti B. is the May 2024 Employee of the Month!

Giti has been a Caregiver for more than 2.5 years and always wants to make a difference in the lives of her seniors. She particularly likes to provide a healthier lifestyle and atmosphere for her clients. Giti is definitely simply the best!

Please join us in congratulating Giti on her being selected the May 2024 Golden Heart Senior Care Employee of the Month!

Employee of the Month – April 2024

Golden Heart Senior Care is proud to announce that Maria Christina Rona has been chosen as the April 2024 Employee of the Month.

Maria is spiritual and has three children. She has been married for 16 years. Her eldest daughter is in school studying nursing. Her youngest daughter is is high school and her youngest son is in middle school.

Maria has been a caregiver for 16 years, starting in California. She is a licensed Pharmacy Tech, but enjoys being a caregiver over a Pharmacy Tech. The majority of her family works in a field that care for others. Her moto is “just be a good person, love who you can, help where you can, and give when you can.”

Please join us in congratulating Maria on being chose the Employee of the Month.

Podcast with Vegas Healthcare

Bob Swadkins, the owner of Golden Heart Senior Care, participated in a podcast with Vegas Healthcare on March 11th, 2024. It was a pleasure working with Diego Trujillo.

Check out the podcast here!

What Are Some Common Issues Home Care Can Help Seniors Manage?

Daily life brings some big challenges for seniors, especially when their health begins to deteriorate. Fall risks, cognitive issues, mobility challenges, and more all bring difficulties that can make it tough for seniors to be as independent as they want to be. Those challenges also impact quality of life, affecting mental and emotional well-being. Home care providers can do a lot to address some of these challenges for aging adults.

Increased Fall Risk

Falling is a leading cause of hospitalization and injury for aging adults. As seniors age, their fall risks tend to increase as a result of health issues, cognitive changes, vision changes, and general safety concerns in their homes. If seniors do experience a fall, their risk of falling again increases dramatically, further complicating life. Having elder care providers there with them can ensure that these issues are addressed before they cause seniors to experience a fall.

Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline can occur for a variety of reasons, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These changes in how their brains function can impair judgment, memory, and decision-making abilities. Home care services offer support to seniors who are experiencing changes in how their brains work, making it easier for them to stay safe at home.

Sensory Changes

Seniors may not realize how much they depend on their senses, especially vision and hearing, until those senses start to change. Those changes have a huge impact on how well seniors are able to communicate and may cause them to start isolating themselves. Elder care services offer not only practical support, but also understanding companionship, which boosts quality of life significantly.

Mobility Difficulty

Mobility is another common challenge for seniors. Whether they’re experiencing changes to mobility because of illness or because of other issues, no longer being as mobile as they once were affects daily life. It also makes it difficult for seniors to keep living their lives the way they want to. Home care providers can help seniors to use assistive devices properly and keep them safe while assisting them with daily mobility.

Personal Care Challenges

Difficulty with tasks like dressing, grooming, and bathing might seem to be superficial, but it directly relates to hygiene. Personal care at home is there to offer compassionate assistance with these delicate tasks. Their help ensures that seniors can maintain their dignity while also remaining safe and comfortable.

Transportation Challenges

Driving limitations and lack of access to easy transportation can seriously limit quality of life for aging adults. They may find it impossible to get to vital appointments like meeting with their doctors and socializing becomes much more difficult. Elder care providers can do the driving, ensuring that seniors are safe and able to go wherever they want whenever they need to.

Home care services can be an essential part of ensuring that aging adults are able to face the challenges of growing older with dignity and independence. Some of these issues may continue to worsen over time, and home care is able to adjust and keep up with seniors and their changing needs.

Reference
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home

If you are considering home care in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.

Employee of the Month – December 2023

Golden Heart Senior Care is proud to announce that Kaleb S. is our Employee of the Month for December 2023. Kaleb is originally from San Francisco, California. Kaleb enjoys being a caregiver because he is able to help and care for others and feels like helping others is his calling.

Please join us in congratulating Kaleb as our December 2023 Employee of the Month!! Thank you Kaleb for all you do for the clients and being a wonderful outstanding caregiver.

Happy Holidays to the Golden Heart Caregivers!

Hi team, it’s Bob and the ladies from Golden Heart. We wanted to say happy holidays and thank you for the wonderful job you do for our clients and for Golden Heart. As a token of our appreciation, we had a caregiver holiday party on Thursday the 14th at 10. Our caregivers earned reward points, and enjoyed great food. Thank you for making this possible!

Watch Our Holiday Greeting with a Fun Surprise Here!