Older Americans Mental Health Week - May 23- 29th, 2011

Mental Health from wellness.com

Regardless of age or physical ability, some people who suffer from mental health disorders become homebound during their recovery. Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression can all easily affect entire families, not just those who are diagnosed.

Right at Home can provide numerous Care Services that help you do more than just survive a loved one’s struggle with the effects of a mental health disorder. We can be a large part of helping you thrive on their path of recovery.

We can also help when mental health is a concern for seniors who are coping with the reality of becoming homebound.

Here are five tips to keep your aging loved one's brain fit:

The importance of keeping our minds sharp to prevent age-related memory loss is no secret. The memory is like a muscle, and as your loved one ages, it is important for him to exercise his mind. The more exercise the brain gets, the better it becomes at processing information. Here are five simple tips from Right at Home for you to share with your loved one:

Read the daily paper
Reading regularly can decrease the chances of mild cognitive impairment by 30 to 50 percent, according to the Mayo Clinic. Reading is an active mental process — you must interpret letters and words while processing overall concepts and ideas. Reading helps with word recall and improves concentration and focus. As an added benefit, reading always provides new conversation topics for your loved one to discuss with friends and family.

Play a memory game
Memory games are among the brain exercises most likely to maintain healthy cognitive function in seniors, according to a Journal of American Medical Association study. Play a classic game of “Memory” or put together a jigsaw puzzle to stimulate the mind.

Try new food
Trying a new dish for dinner with unique ingredients is a great way to stimulate our senses. While food is necessary for survival, our brain plays a big role in what foods we enjoy, and our senses play a big role in brain function. By introducing new foods to your loved one, you can increase his mental activity by tasting, smelling and seeing foods outside of his normal diet.

Paint a picture
Creativity is a beneficial cognitive exercise that can delay the onset of dementia or lessen any effects your loved one may feel from dementia, according to LiveStrong.com. The more frequently you engage in creative activities such as painting a picture or playing a musical instrument, the more beneficial they are.

Socialize with family and friends
Interaction is an unpredictable activity when it comes to brain function. Encourage your loved one to build and maintain relationships with his friends and family. Engaging in a stimulating conversation, playing a game of cards or sharing a meal together are all simple ways to socialize with others.

Right at Home is your international expert for issues related to caring for your loved one and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. Right at Home offers in-home care and assistance so your loved one can continue living independently and enjoying a vibrant life. Our caregivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

What kinds of mind-building games does your loved one enjoy?

For more information contact us at - http://www.rightathome.net/plantcity or call 813 - 764-9290