Senior Home Sweet Home: Making Your Space a Sanctuary of Comfort

Visit any critical care unit, childrens hospital, or other specialty inpatient facility, and youll find a common feature: therapy dogs. For decades, healthcare practitioners have understood the surprisingly positive effects on patients of time spend with cute and cuddly dogs. Therapy dogs reduce stress, improve mood, and can help patients reframe their outlook on whatever condition ails them. The positive effects of patient interactions with therapy dogs are a well-documented fact of the medical world. Senior citizens with limited mobility and other health conditions also benefit from the companionship of dogs. Owning a pet reduces feelings of loneliness among seniors living at home or in a retirement facility, which in turn greatly reduces the risk of diseases associated with loneliness and isolation. Pets can also decrease the number of stress hormones in a persons blood, lower blood pressure, and contribute to a more positive outlook on life. Dogs and other pets, it seems, have tremendous healing powers!Since Alzheimers patients cannot adequately care for a pet, owning one is out of the question. Considering the nature of Alzheimers dementia, it is easy to assume that a loved one may not benefit from a pet since they will not remember the interaction. Researchers, convinced therapy dogs would have a positive effect on Alzheimers patients, put this question to the test: Do Therapy Dogs Help Alzheimers Dementia Patients?Short-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.A study conducted in the early 2000s looked carefully at the subject of therapy dogs and Alzheimers dementia patients. They measured the incidence of behavioral disturbances among patients in a nursing home for a period of four weeks, then introduced therapy dogs. Their initial findings showed that the dogs helped to reduce behavioral disturbances in the short term, meaning they helped to immediately calm patients. The short-term effects proved that therapy dogs do have a positive effect on patients with Alzheimers disease, particularly in regards to anxiety, anger, and changes in behavior associated with the disease.Long-Term Benefits of Therapy Dogs for Patients with Alzheimers Dementia.The same study did not stop at the short-term effects of therapy dogs on Alzheimers patients. Previous assumptions suggested that since patients would not remember their encounters with the therapy dogs, the effects of spending time with them would vanish from one day to the next. Not true, the study authors found. Although most of the patients did not remember their interactions with the therapy dogs (some did), the behavioral disturbances noted in the four weeks prior to the study reduced. In fact, the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the therapy dogs, the less they exhibited behavioral disturbances.Therapy Dogs As A Long-Term Therapy.The study findings confirmed what clinicians suspected all along: dogs are an excellent long-term therapy for persons with Alzheimers dementia to reduce the incidence of behavioral disturbances. Therapy dogs also had the same effect on Alzheimers patients as they do on other kinds of patients, including reduced stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, better appetite, and fewer feelings of loneliness. These effects continued to increase the longer and more frequently patients interacted with the dogs.What Makes Dogs Such Good Therapy?Dogs are wired to give unconditional love and devotion. They can provide physical and social contact where it is missing, and they are not picky. what sets dogs apart, particularly those trained as therapy dogs, is that they will approach anyone regardless of their physical or mental deterioration, and initiate contact. Patients can pet, hug, and cuddle dogs unlike any other kind of pet. These positive interactions provide a distraction to the other goings-on around them and provide relief for those suffering from sadness, anger, or angst.The Takeaway.Dogs have a tremendous healing power. While studies have focused specifically on Alzheimers dementia patients, their positive effects will benefit anyone suffering from general dementia. Families of patients will feel relief that their loved ones have fewer outbursts of anger, sadness, or angst. While dementia impairs memory, it does not interrupt the long-term benefits of regularly interacting with a therapy dog. In fact, the more they interact with a therapy dog, the fewer behavioral problems they exhibit.

In many ways, stress is a part of life for all of us. But for seniors, stress can have a larger affect on physical and mental wellness.Having worries and concerns is natural, but it is more important as we get older to practice stress-reduction techniques to manage these thoughts.The great news is that stress, and the techniques to manage it, are usually easy for most people to practice. Meditation, breathing exercises, physical movement and other tactics can help seniors continue to live the best quality of life and can even improve overall wellness.Stress destroys cells in the hippocampus, a brain site responsible for memory storage and retrieval.Why is it critical to manage stress?As we continue to keep our homes and families safe during COVID-19, its even more important to focus on the mental health needs of our seniors when it comes to stress.Several studies have shown that stress is linked to mental and physical problems, from anxiety and depression to hypertension and immune system complications. In fact, its estimated that stress increases the risk of heart disease by 40%, heart attack by 25%, and stroke by 50%. Not to mention the fact that stress can also exacerbate existing conditions which can be very impactful for those with less efficient immune systems.What can seniors do to manage their stress in a positive way?Finding moments of joy and focusing on activities and hobbies that bring meaning and purpose can help seniors manage their stress. Fortunately, there are many more stress relief techniques that seniors can follow to help improve their own personal wellbeing. What senior clients use to manage their stress today can help better prepare them for any future stress.Stress Relief TechniquesConnection can help relieve stress. Seniors can call a friend or family member, have a video chat or spend time with loved ones when possible.Meditate at the same time every day or whenever feelings of stress or anxiety arisePractice deep breathing and mindfulness exercisesReach out to friends and family to connect and spend time togetherFollow a consistent exercise regimen and healthy diet, upon physician approvalJournal or jot down thoughts and feelings at the end of each day and be sure to take a moment to reflect on all the positive things that happened throughout the dayFind a virtual volunteer opportunity to give back to the communityPut together and execute a to-do list to increase productivity, decrease feelings of restlessness, and combat procrastinationJoin a yoga class or practice it at home (with physician approval)Listen to soothing or relaxing music, especially before bedFind a way to laugh, whether its by watching a funny TV show/movie or listening to a comedy albumComfort Keepers Can HelpAt Comfort Keepers, we have spent the last twenty years perfecting the art of helping seniors and other adults maintain their peace, happiness, and joy. To us, every moment in a seniors life is a unique opportunity to foster positivity, going beyond daily tasks. Our approach to care is called Interactive Caregiving, a philosophy centered around four central aspects of life: mind, body, nutrition, and safety.Whats more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients exact needs.Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting a local Comfort Keepers office.

In the rapid pace of modern life, it can be easy to overlook the small moments that bring us joy. Whether its a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or the beauty of nature, these fleeting instances often get lost amid our busy schedules and responsibilities. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that finding joy in the everyday is essential for cultivating a fulfilled and balanced life. In this blog, we will explore how to identify and embrace those golden inspirations around you, accompanied by actionable tips that can help you create a joyful daily routine.The Importance of Seeking Joy in Everyday LifeJoy is not merely a momentary feeling; it is a state of mind that can significantly impact our overall well-being. When we consciously seek joy in our daily lives, we open ourselves to greater happiness and satisfaction. Heres why unveiling and celebrating these moments matters:Cultivating a Positive MindsetElevated Emotional Health: Engaging with joyful experiences has been linked to improved mental health. By focusing on positive moments, we can reduce stress and anxiety, transforming our emotional landscape.Enhancing Mindfulness: Finding joy requires presence. When we hone in on the simple pleasures of life, we practice mindfulness, allowing us to fully appreciate each moment rather than exist in autopilot mode.Strengthening RelationshipsShared Joy: Joy is often amplified when shared with others. Celebrating lifes little victories together fosters deeper connections and strengthens bonds between friends, family, and colleagues.Creating Lasting Memories: Moments of joy often lead to cherished memories. By capturing these instances together, we build a tapestry of shared experiences that can bring comfort and happiness in times of need.Tips for Finding Joy Every DayWhile it may seem daunting to intentionally seek joy, there are simple, actionable steps you can take to illuminate your day with happiness. Here are some practical tips to help you discover those golden inspirations in everyday life:Step 1: Start with a Gratitude PracticeDaily Gratitude Journal: Each morning or evening, jot down three things youre grateful for. This practice shifts your focus to the positive aspects of your life, helping you recognize and celebrate them.Share Your Gratitude: Take the time to express your gratitude to someone in your lifebe it a family member, friend, or colleague. Acknowledging the good in others can create ripples of positivity and strengthen those connections.Step 2: Embrace MindfulnessMindful Mornings: Start your day with a few minutes of mindfulness. Use this time to breathe deeply, savor your morning beverage, and appreciate the quiet before the day begins. Engaging your senses will deepen your awareness of lifes simple pleasures.Pause and Observe: Throughout your day, take moments to pause and observe your surroundings. Whether its the sound of birds chirping, the warmth of sunlight, or the aroma of a favorite meal cooking, engage with those sensory delights to invigorate your spirit.Step 3: Seek Out Simple JoysCreate Joyful Routines: Establish rituals that bring you joy. It could be a leisurely stroll in the park, cooking a favorite recipe, or curling up with a good book. Infusing joy into your routine nurtures a sense of balance.Try Something New: Discover new joys by stepping outside your comfort zone. Attend a local event, try a new hobby, or participate in a fitness class. Exploring new experiences can spark excitement and rejuvenate your outlook.Step 4: Connect with NatureNature Breaks: Spend time outdoors, whether its a walk in the park or simply sitting on a bench. Nature has a unique way of restoring our spirits and bringing joy. Observe the beauty around you, breathe in fresh air, and let nature inspire gratitude.Bring Nature Indoors: Incorporate elements of nature into your living spacehouseplants, flowers, or nature-inspired dcor can uplift your home environment and serve as daily reminders of the beauty around you.Step 5: Create a Joy JarCapture Inspiring Moments: Keep a joy jar where you can drop in notes of happy moments or experiences youve had throughout the year. When youre feeling low, reading these notes can rekindle joy and remind you of the positive moments that have filled your life.Share the Joy: Encourage family members or friends to contribute to the joy jar. This collaborative effort creates a shared sense of happiness and helps you cultivate deeper connections.Conclusion: Embrace the Golden Inspirations in Your LifeAt A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we believe that joy is an essential ingredient in the recipe for a fulfilling life. By intentionally seeking out and celebrating the golden inspirations that surround you, you can create a more positive, balanced existence filled with happiness. Remember that joy can be found in the smallest moments, and by engaging with these experiences, you invite fulfillment and gratitude into your daily life.As you embark on this journey, allow yourself to relish each days little victories and moments of beauty. If you ever feel overwhelmed by the chaos of life and need assistance in organizing not just your space but also your mindset, A Call to Order is here to help you find clarity and joy. Together, lets create a life that celebrates the golden inspirations waiting to be discovered each and every day!