From Safety to Socialising – How Residential Care Can Boost Quality of Life

Our elderly loved ones play such an integral role in our lives. From our earliest memories, they have been there to support us through turbulent times and celebrate our highest achievements. As your loved one embarks on those great golden years, consider how residential care can boost quality of life and create cherished memories.

Routine

Babies develop with a regimented routine, and it’s no different for adults and the elderly. Residential care facilities like these Belmont nursing home options are known for offering residents a sustainable routine designed to keep the body and mind active. These routines extend beyond meal times, and encompass social interactions, off site excursions and seasonal celebrations. You can also add to this routine, with weekly cafe visits or attending church together every week. A complete and diverse routine can boost quality of life, preparing your elderly loved one for the future and all the spontaneous joys that can be found in the present.

Physical activity

Regardless of your age and standing in life, physical activity has untold benefits on your physical and mental health. As we age, this becomes more important but isn’t always administered diligently if living alone. Residential care facilities not only endorse this daily physical practise, but there are carers who lend themselves to residents ensuring they travel around the perimeter of the facility, and undergo any additional activity that may be prescribed by a GP. Prioritise the strength and mobility of your elderly family member by exploring what a residential care facility can offer.

Stay connected

While the autonomy of your elderly loved one is to be respected, you still want them to feel connected to the outside world. Modern residential care facilities have a full suite of services and techniques, but it’s that family touch that will complete the experience. It could be as simple as equipping them with a mobile phone so you can reach each other between visits, or gifting stationary to correspond by post. Whatever method you choose, it can add invaluable quality to their lives.

Health and wellness

We’ve all been guilty of skipping a doctor’s appointment or failing to make one to begin with. As we grow older, these appointments need to be honoured and residential care facilities have procedures in place to make sure health compliance is a priority for all. Additionally, all residents receive regular haircuts and a fresh supply of laundered clothes and clean-living spaces. These elements may seem small, but they take away that responsibility from your loved one so that they can enjoy the greater moments and the company of family and fellow residents.

Mental fitness

Arguably as important as physical fitness, the mind needs to be exercised as regularly as possible. This is an area in which residential care facility staff are well versed, establishing games and activities that spark memory and problem-solving skills. It’s also a wonderful way to connect with your loved one when you visit. They are just as they have always been, sharp as a tack, so explore ways to invigorate these muscles and encourage thoughtful conversations. Family members of loved ones will often leave photo albums and books in the care of their loved one so that they can remain mentally fit in their own time.

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Boosting quality of life and continuing to relish the finer things in life will be the recipe to a long, contented life for your elderly loved one. This chapter of their life should be one that is easy to manage and enjoy, for your loved one and your family. Consider how a quality residential care facility can enrich these golden years.