Boredom shows up when an elderly family member can’t do the things he or she once could. Now he or she may be ill, frail, and can’t get around like before too. Your senior was used to being active and doing fun things and now can’t, so boredom has set in. And your loved one is tired of watching TV and reading novels. You are worried your senior is getting depressed and in low spirits. What can you do to help relieve his or her boredom?
Ask your loved one what you can do to help relieve any boredom. Maybe you can bring over a friend for a visit. You could suggest going to lunch or maybe a walk in the park if it is a thing that is possible. You could suggest a drive for a change of scenery and maybe some ice cream. Call another family member and see if you can come for a visit perhaps. Above all, talk to your senior and find out how your loved one is feeling. See if he or she has an idea of something different to try or do.
If you feel the depression is progressing, suggest talking to a mental health professional. The mental health professional can give your loved one a psychiatric assessment. In the assessment, the health professional will decide if antidepressants may help. Sometimes just talking to the mental health professional a few times may set your loved one back on track.
If your loved one does feel housebound, you can always find a senior care center near you. This service provides stimulation for seniors through interaction with other seniors. The center may have programs which your senior may want to try out too. Sometimes there are card clubs, music or crafts for seniors to enjoy. There are also adult day care centers. These services will help your senior enjoy being out all day to then come home at night. Meals are provided as well as activities. Some of the activities are painting, music and playing games. You senior may make new friends and the boredom and depression will then be gone.
It is difficult for your senior not to be able to do the things once enjoyed. However, by offering different outlets and suggestions, your senior may find something to take interest in again. It may be something as simple as moving a wheelchair into the yard or if you have raised flower beds, bringing your senior into that area. The expression, “try it, you may like it,” falls into this category. If your senior tries something new to do, a new experience may open up. It never hurts to try.
If you or an aging loved one needs senior care services in the Sacramento, CA area, remember Senior Home Care Services for all services needed. Call us at (916) 514-7006 for more information.
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