For the home-bound elderly or disabled, maintaining a positive attitude is essential to both mental and physical health. Unfortunately, depression is common in these individuals, and can lead to a variety of health conditions and complications. Thankfully, though, tips like the following can help keep home-bound patients active, healthy and happy.
Home Décor
For individuals who can’t leave their homes, maintaining a bright and cheery atmosphere is important. For example, the following decorating tips can significantly lift a home-bound’s patient’s spirits: Avoiding dark, dreary colors when choosing paint, draperies, carpets, etc. Fill the patient’s room with plants, flowers and other signs of life. Keep windows clean and free of obstructions. Aim for comfort but avoid unnecessary clutter.
Exercise
Regular exercise can provide numerous benefits for the elderly or disabled. In addition to all the physical advantages of mild workouts, the psychological advantages include reduced risk of depression, anxiety, stress and more. And while exercise may be a challenge for home-bound patients, there are a variety of workouts designed with these individuals in mind. By speaking with a doctor before beginning an exercise regimen, patients can help ensure personal safety as well as formulate a personalized routine, which can boost benefits of all kinds.
Hobbies
Keeping the mind active is essential to happiness and vitality. Plus, no matter a person’s health, skill levels or interests, there are endless activity options for home-bound patients. For example, hobbies and activities like the following can help keep the mind sharp and improve overall well-being: drawing and painting, writing, cooking or baking, knitting, sewing or crocheting, collecting, growing a garden, or learning an instrument.
Fresh Air and Sunshine
A lack of sunshine can be directly linked to conditions like depression and anxiety. This is the result of a vitamin D deficiency, which can be remedied by spending a little time outdoors each day. For bedridden patients, simply opening doors and windows can significantly enhance mood; for others, spending at least thirty minutes per day outside can fight depression and vastly improve quality of life.
Maintaining Personal Relationships
There’s no better way to lift a patient’s spirits than with visits from friends and family members. Encouraging loved ones to spend time with the patient is a great way to keep friendships and memories alive as well as promote happiness for everyone involved. Also, the telephone, electronic devices, email and social media can be used to rekindle or maintain relationships despite factors like distance, health, etc.
Although depression is common among the home-bound elderly and disabled, it can be remedied. With the tips listed here, as provided by experts at PASCO Home Health, patients can improve health, fight depression and significantly enhance quality of life.
Comments are closed.