Five Ways to Help Seniors Cope with Negative Thoughts

Anybody can get stuck thinking about the negative end of a situation. For seniors, this is really unproductive and can cause them to make decisions that harm their health, like isolating themselves. Figuring out how to get seniors unstuck from negative thought loops involves trying to see things from their point of view and lining up solutions, like companion care at home, to help them avoid feeling alone and isolated.

See Things from Their Perspective

Seniors may feel stuck in negative thought loops after a bad health diagnosis, because of grief, or for a variety of other reasons. Family caregivers might not have all the information they need at first to understand what’s going on. In many situations, seniors may not necessarily be wrong to have negative thoughts about what is happening, even though that’s not helping them. Looking at things from their point of view helps family caregivers to approach the topic with empathy instead of telling seniors to snap out of it.

Spend Quality Time Together

Often seniors get stuck in negative thought loops because they’re spending too much time alone. If family members and friends can spend more quality time with seniors, that helps so very much. They may not be able to, however, which is when companion care at home can be a good option. Companion caregivers spend time with seniors, talking, engaging in activities, and helping seniors see life more positively in general.

Encourage Time Outside

Spending time in nature can be really helpful when someone feels stuck in their own head. Going for nature walks or enjoying a picnic in the back yard can all be a lot of fun and can help seniors spend time outside. Home care providers can help seniors do these things safely, so that they can focus on simply enjoying their time in nature and reaping the benefits.

Consider Professional Help

Serious bouts of negative thinking may mean that there is more going on. Sometimes this can be a sign of a health issue, particularly a cognitive illness. Or there may be other situations that are making it difficult for seniors to let go of negative thoughts. Talking with their doctor or a therapist could be helpful in figuring out what the underlying issue truly is.

Make Sure They Have Company

Leaving seniors alone again after they’ve gotten out of their negative thought spiral might send them back into another one. Companion care at home can help seniors continue to focus on other things, get the socialization they need, and avoid isolating themselves. All of these are important parts of maintaining good mental health.

There may very well be good reasons for seniors to have the feelings and thoughts they have. But consistently ruminating on negative thoughts doesn’t get them anywhere useful. Companion care at home can be a fantastic solution to help seniors engage in social activities and enjoy their time more. This is often a huge part of helping them to age in place with the quality of life that they want to experience.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Rye, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.