In an ideal world we would all stay fit, healthy and pin-sharp all the way into old age. Unfortunately for many of us a gradual decline of cognitive function is inevitable. This could take the form of mild memory loss and excessive tiredness, which is normal, or it could indicate something more serious like dementia.
Fortunately, cognitive decline does not have to become an absolute. For seniors, keeping mind and body active is crucial for good health and for mental wellbeing. When older people are encouraged to take part in activities which stimulate the brain they see improvements in memory, problem-solving skills and concentration. And this is an area where a live-in carer can really help.
How live-in carers can help
It is always assumed that the main role of a carer is physical – helping with washing and dressing, getting out of bed, helping with shopping etc – all this is true but a live-in carer can help with so much more. Simply by providing companionship they encourage their client to chat or they read with them or watch TV together and afterwards talk about what they’ve watched. All this helps keep minds sharp and stimulates thinking skills.
A carer can encourage their patient to do puzzles such as word games or sudoku. They can play card games together or the carer could arrange for their patient’s friends or family members to come around to play board games or listen to music. Reminiscing about times gone by is especially beneficial for people with dementia who often find it easier to remember things from years ago than more recently.
A live-in carer could also persuade an older person to try something new and creative such as painting, crafting or learning a new language. Learning new cookery recipes or gardening techniques would suit some whilst the tech-minded could be helped to navigate the internet and learn how to use social media.
Physical health and nutrition
It has long been acknowledged that taking care of the body through exercise and healthy food also helps to take care of the brain. Live-in carers are well-trained in how diet and nutrition helps older people to stay healthy and by providing private care at home for elderly people they are well placed to support health and nutrition every day. Age UK has lots of advice on how seniors can stay fit and healthy through eating the right kind of food which a carer can incorporate into their patient’s daily diet. These could include:
- Low fat protein such as chicken or fish
- Fresh vegetables
- High fibre foods
- Whole grain foods such as brown bread
Carers can encourage physical health by ensuring their patient regularly attends doctor and dentist appointments and helping them to quit smoking. Encourage them in gentle exercises such as daily stretching and walking or dancing round the kitchen where possible.
And finally…..
And at the end of the day the live-in carer can help settle their patient into bed for some relaxing, restorative sleep.
Cognitive stimulation, tailored to the individual, plays a large part in boosting health and wellbeing for seniors and dedicated support from live-in carers makes a real difference to their lives.
