Every care facility’s main priority should be making sure that all of its residents are content with the care they are receiving. A thorough and person-centred care plan should be developed to ensure that all of the individual’s needs have been specified, enabling carers to provide the best care, in order to assist prevent the occurrence of these concerns.

Improving Mental Health

Among the many health issues that plague the elderly, loneliness and sadness invariably have an affect on a person’s quality of life. Recent initiatives have helped to increase support and raise public knowledge, both of which are on the rise.

Popular brands like Cadbury’s and Channel 4 have raised awareness of these problems and mental health in general, demonstrating how tiny, every-day actions can have a significant impact on people’s lives.

Every care facility’s main priority should be making sure that all of its residents are content with the care they are receiving. A thorough and person-centred care plan should be developed to ensure that all of the individual’s needs have been specified, enabling carers to provide the best care, in order to assist prevent the occurrence of these concerns. We have a few more ideas below, though, if you’re searching for some inspiration on how you may support your residents’ continued happiness and mental health.

Provide Meaningful Activities

Your staff should welcome new residents into your home and interact with them as much as possible. It’s easy to overlook that residents have left their own homes and family and are therefore at risk of feeling lonely or depressed even if each person has their own individual reason for entering care. Particularly when going outdoors isn’t an option, some activities, like group games or social eating, should be regular occurrences for everyone to get to know one another and establish a sense of companionship and security.

A crucial aspect of care is encouraging individuals to participate in the activities they find enjoyable. Residents frequently complain that there aren’t enough things to do during the day or that the things that are offered aren’t satisfying. While boredom may initially result from this, more severe health concerns including depression may later appear. Ask a resident what they would prefer be doing if you see one who doesn’t appear interested in or participating in an activity.

As much as possible, residents should be encouraged to engage in their preferred activities (as listed in their care plan), including chair exercises and setting up in-person or virtual get-togethers. In addition to improving their quality of life and morale, doing so will lower their risk of social isolation, depression, and possible physical function loss.

Maintain Personal Identity

It should be possible for residents to preserve and develop their unique identities and personalities. After all, life continues even if someone requires care. This is why it’s critical that each person’s care plan includes a list of their preferences, dislikes, and interests. Their self-esteem and confidence can change significantly, and carers should encourage this by demonstrating a willingness to engage and form real connections with them as individuals, not simply as residents.

Residents should have the freedom to make their own decisions, participate in decision-making wherever possible, and be able to communicate who they are and what interests they have. This significantly contributes to maintaining positivity and overall mental health. Allowing someone to choose what to wear, take their most priceless and precious belongings outside of their rooms, or choose where to sit at meals can all help someone maintain their independence.

Treating Residents Physical Problems Appropriately

Please phone +44 7734 414503 or send an email to lynn@bettergen.co.uk if you’d like more information about how our simple exercise sessions might help your care facility. We specialise in assisting nursing homes to give their residents a better quality of life via the utilisation of physical and intellectual activities.