How to Help Seniors Find Joy Amid Chronic Illness

Have you ever started your day and figured, “It’s going to be one of those days!” Perhaps your alarm didn’t go off, the hot water heater opted to stop working, plus the dog chewed up one of your favorite shoes overnight. Then consider if every single day were “one of those days!” For a person coping with a chronic disease (and that’s the majority of the senior population), every day struggles and challenges may be a given.

However, there are a number of steps that can be taken to find and maintain a life of joy amid chronic illness. For example:

• Follow passions. Finding purpose and meaning in each day is crucial – and attainable. Many older adults find happiness in helping and encouraging other people. Others thrive on being lifelong learners. For many it might mean recording the past for the next generation. Brainstorm ideas until you arrive at one that ignites passion, and then make it a real possibility.
• Practice positivity. One easy way to create a more positive outlook on life is by journaling. Encourage older loved ones to begin each day by creating a list of everything they’re grateful for that morning, including the seemingly ordinary: the smell of fresh coffee brewing, a cat curled up in a sunbeam, an upcoming lunch date with a friend. At the conclusion of each week, sit together and read back through the previous entries for a quick and effective pick-me-up.
• Steer clear of negativity. Including a measure of positivity as described above can naturally lead to reduced negativity, but there are further measures that can be undertaken as well. For example, take breaks from tasks that induce frustration, allowing for needed time to de-stress. Put the emphasis on undertaking tasks that can be carried out successfully, and find an alternative solution for those that are too challenging, such as delegating those tasks to another family member or friend, or engaging the services of a specialist.
• Get out of the house. Sustaining as active a lifestyle as possible outside of the home can be so energizing for seniors. Help older loved ones go out for hair appointments, shopping excursions, visits with friends, and other fun outings, as much as they are able. Even simply stepping outside and relaxing on the front porch when weather allows can substantially boost someone’s frame of mind and outlook.

At Harmony Home Health & Hospice, it is our objective to help seniors achieve the highest possible quality of life at all times. Our thoroughly trained and knowledgeable caregivers provide chronic disease care designed to support seniors while empowering them to live full and active lives. Contact us online or at 1-877-I-NEED-CARE (1-877-463-3322) and discover the difference our in-home health care services can make for someone you love!