Rain, rain, go away.  Come again another day…

Photo by Erin McNeill

We can all start to feel a little blue when rainy days take hold.  We can start to become tired, and perhaps even weak after a couple of days of rain.  But what if your every day creates this feeling.  By being alone we can start to fall into a state of depression.  Forget about the rest of life that can start to make you feel weak and incapable of staying focused.

Those who are aging in place and choosing to stay at home can become susceptible to depression.  The difficult thing with depression in older adults is that it is often overlooked or thought to “be a part of getting old”.  Depression can indicate other underlying medical problems and may be linked to several important risk factors.

As family members and friends, please consider that if you have an aging loved one who lives at home alone, you may not see the symptoms on a single visit, or even after a few visits.  Nor will you “hear it” to be able to identify it when you call.  Continuous care and in-person communication will help avoid unnecessary issues that could lead to additional illness and hospitalization.

By choosing an at home care provider you can take the steps necessary to ward off depression and avoid over medication.  An Artful Home Care lifestyle companion can help by providing some of the key needs to ward off depression, or even better, to avoid it.  Here are just a few things to consider:

Having a caring, compassionate caregiver in the home will provide an opportunity for your loved one to avoid isolation and feelings of loneliness.  Regular exercise will manage daily stress and reduce anxiety and depression.  By taking a walk outside, you get the benefit of movement, along with the positive effects of sunlight and nature.  You might think your aging loved one can do that without assistance.  However with a lack of confidence, and if they tire easily, the risk of walking alone exists.  Another important way to keep the blues away is to engage in meaningful and enjoyable activity.  When someone should no longer be driving they often are home bound and would greatly benefit from the socialization of an in home caregiver and someone who can bring them out of the house.  Whether in the home or out, our caregivers will provide opportunity to engage in making art, exploring music, writing, and enjoying the many community cultural centers and of course the beauty of the beaches and nature on the East End.

Let Artful Home Care turn the rainy days into beautiful days.  Call us today, 631-259-6274 and visit our website to learn more, www.artfulhomecare.net.

With Thanks,

Beth McNeill-Muhs

Artful Home Care, President

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional home care in Southampton, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.