Going out on Boxing Day has become quite the tradition for many families, and their elderly loved ones can enjoy a wide range of benefits when they brave the crowds. Oakville home care experts discuss how going out on Boxing Day can benefit your loved one’s emotional and physical health.
1. Promote Cardiovascular Health
Taking your loved one shopping means he or she may end up doing a good amount of walking. As you and your loved one browse in the shops, neither of you are likely to notice the exercise you are getting. Walking helps increase circulation and lowers cholesterol, which contributes to better cardiovascular health.
2. Stimulate Vitamin D Production
It might be winter, but this does not mean the sun is hidden all day. It only takes 15 minutes of sun exposure to decrease the risk of vitamin D deficiency. Your loved one can get his or her daily dose of sunshine during the short walks between stores.
3. Reduce Depression
The winter doldrums tend to strike this time of year. Help keep your loved one’s spirits up by engaging him or her in conversation as you shop. The time you spend together goes a long way toward preventing the symptoms of depression during the holidays.
4. Address Health Concerns
Seniors sometimes avoid talking about health concerns because they don’t want to upset their families during the holidays. However, you can use your time shopping to do a quick check on your loved one’s health. Observing how your loved one walks, eats, and talks can help you determine he or she needs additional assistance with daily activities. If you think your loved one requires additional help, consider hiring respite or live-in care Oakville families can count on to help your loved one manage the tasks of daily living.
5. Encourage Better Personal Hygiene
If your loved one stays home all the time, it can be easy to lose the motivation to get dressed and wash his or her hair. Make Boxing Day a big event and inspire your loved one to dress up. Before you head out, ask your loved one if he or she needs help getting ready. This way, you can find out if bathing and grooming tasks are challenging for him or her.
For additional tips on keeping your loved one’s spirits up, contact Home Care Assistance, a leading name in elder care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist your loved one with personal and household tasks. We also provide more specialized Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and dementia care Oakville families can rely on. For more information on our specialized care and our flexible care plans, call one of our knowledgeable Care Managers at (905) 337-1200 to schedule a free consultation.