Writing can be therapeutic as well as a way to keep track of crucial information. Aging adults receiving home care Mississauga can use writing in a journal as a way to stave off cognitive decline, promote emotional health, document crucial information regarding their health, and much more. Encourage your elderly loved one to keep a journal so he or she can take advantage of these and many other benefits.
Reducing Stress
Aging can cause anxiety and depression, but keeping a journal is one way to help ease or alleviate those emotions. Once your loved one has written his or her feelings down, he or she can later reflect on those experiences and situations. Keeping the journal can help your loved one determine which situations are causing the stress so he or she can develop techniques to avoid those particular stressors. Encourage your loved one to be truthful when journaling, and be sure to tell him or her not to hold back.
Preventing Memory Loss
When your loved one loses cognitive abilities and memories, the effects can be devastating. However, as your loved one’s Mississauga caregiver, you can suggest he or she keep a daily journal to help boost his or her memory or prevent serious medical conditions such as dementia. If your loved one is experiencing memory loss, keeping a journal is a good way for him or her to read about the memories he or she can no longer remember.
Keeping Track of Health
A health journal can detail illnesses, medications, procedures, and any type of treatments your loved one has. Keeping track of this health information can help doctors determine if current treatments are working or if a new plan should be created. An accurate journal of health history can help your loved one stay informed and knowledgeable about his or her current conditions so he or she can use the information to stay healthy in the future. If your loved one has a better understanding of what makes him or her sick, he or she can take measures to prevent these issues.
Managing Nutrition
A food journal can help your loved one keep track of what he or she is eating. Eating plenty of nutrients is important for seniors because it keeps the mind sharp, the body strong, and energy levels high, and it can help prevent obesity and medical conditions such as diabetes. A food diary can also be a record of your loved one’s calorie intake. He or she can then eliminate mindless eating and foods that offer no nutritional value. You should have your loved one record everything he or she eats and drinks, including the details pertaining to portion size, number of servings, and much more.
A journal can be a wonderful resource for seniors, but some may need additional help keeping track of their health. If your loved one needs emotional support, cognitive stimulation, and tips on nutrition, turn to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers can help with any of the above as well as many important daily tasks. We also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and post-stroke care in Mississauga. For more information and to schedule a free in-home consultation, call one of our friendly Care Managers today at 905-337-1200.