Self-care has become a popular term in the last decade and generally refers to setting out time to do healthy things for yourself, physically and mentally. It is easy to become preoccupied with day-to-day tasks, current events, and caring for others. Self-care need not be time consuming or all-encompassing; integrating healthy habits into one’s lifestyle makes it easy. It is important for seniors to learn good self-care techniques, especially if they have lived a full life taking care of others.
Fun, entertainment, and relaxation are cornerstones of self-care. Seniors who live in a retirement community should take advantage of the social activities their residence offers. Social activities are a great way to socialize and meet friends, which can be difficult to do in later years. Picking up a new hobby is enjoyable, rewarding, and learning a new skill helps keep the brain active. Occasional spa treatments and improving comfort at home with new pillows, soft blankets, and assistive devices will soothe the body.
Sleeping is an oft-ignored aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Seniors, especially, can have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling rested the next day. A quality bed and bedding are a good first step to help. Those with sleep troubles should discuss this with their personal Caregiver or Nurse because it could be a symptom of an underlying condition or a side effect of medication.
Private, in-home nursing and support services can enhance seniors’ lives in many ways. A visit from an Integracare Registered Nurse, Registered Practical Nurses, a Registered Physiotherapist, or Personal Support Workers at home offers comfort and convenience, as well as a closer, personal connection, using a tailored person-centered care plan. If you live in the Toronto area and you’re wondering how to find home care providers who are professional, compassionate, and work with their clients and their families, look no further. Integracare offers a comprehensive list of health care and ancillary support services. They also have Registered Massage Therapists who will come to your home and can treat sore muscles and help with recovery from surgery or a health condition.
Exercise and a proper diet might seem like work to some, but both can immeasurably improve one’s physical and mental state. Exercise and a healthy diet may actually be the most important parts of self-care. Classes like tai-chi, senior chair yoga, and swimming are fun and relaxing ways to gently work out. A walking group is an excellent way to combine sociability with light activity. Regular, appropriate exercising can boost mood and improve strength and coordination, reducing the risk of falling. A healthy diet should contain vegetables, fruits, legumes, omega-3-filled nuts, whole grains, and fermented foods, with lean meats kept to a minimum. There is a variety of healthy options and more delivery services available than ever before. Private Caregivers and Nurses can assist with meal planning, exercise routines, essential shopping, and transportation assistance.
A long life spent attending to others’ needs and retiring from a full career can lend itself to simply not knowing or being used to caring for oneself. Try to regularly encourage senior loved ones to engage in daily self-care.
