Many seniors have a bought of a low self-esteem due to the fact that they can no longer do the things that they used to do. If you are a family caregiver for a senior who has low self-esteem, then Rhode Island at-home care professionals recommend trying the following techniques to boost your loved one’s confidence.
Ask for Help
Even if a task may be easier to do by yourself, ask the senior for help around the house. We all like to feel needed. After all, most jobs are more fun when more than one person takes part. There are some jobs that the senior may enjoy doing even sitting down, such as folding laundry or sorting mail.
Have a Date Day
Make your senior feel very special by setting up a date day. Start out by helping the senior get all dressed up. Go get his or her haircut and consider a manicure or pedicure. Then, take your loved one out to eat at his or her favorite restaurant. End the date by taking your senior loved one to a movie or other special event.
Encourage Your Loved One to Get Involved
One major cause of low self-esteem among seniors is that they no longer think they are important to anyone. Therefore, consider getting your senior loved one active in a community group. It can be one just for seniors or based around his or her favorite activity.
Find a Volunteer Position
Most communities have many places where seniors can volunteer. Consider encouraging your senior to follow the example of 91-year-old Morrie Boogart who has knitted over 8,000 hats to help keep homeless people warm in Michigan despite being confined to a hospital bed most of the time.
Find a Part-Time Job
There are federal programs that allow seniors to work part-time even after retirement. These programs often do not affect their retirement payments, which allows them to earn additional income. Check out Experience Works and Foster Grandparents to find a part-time job for your loved one.
There are many ways that you can help raise the senior’s low self-esteem. Sometimes, simple companionship is enough to bolster your loved one’s confidence. Call Home Care Assistance at (401) 284-0979 today and ask about our premier live-in and hourly home care Rhode Island seniors can trust to promote emotional wellbeing while boosting self-confidence. Our experienced Care Managers will customize a special care plan for your loved one when you schedule a complimentary in-home consultation.