
When someone moves into a nursing home, it can feel like their world is falling apart. Everything is changing and their old life becomes more and more distant from them. It can feel as though their identity is being stripped away. This is why high self-esteem is so important. Good self-esteem also improves mental and physical health and keeps people motivated. If the usual things that they did to keep themselves feeling good are taken away, new methods should take their place. If you are looking for a Heritage house in Pennant Hills check this out.
In extreme cases, low self-esteem could be a symptom of abuse. You should be aware of nursing home abuse signs if your loved one is in a home.
Firstly, make sure they have their favourite products. If they have a perfume, aftershave, or moisturiser they like, be sure they continue to have access to this. For some residents, makeup may be important to them. Ensure they have a makeup bag and mirror available to them. This will bring a sense of normality and autonomy. Beyond this, here are some other ideas to keep them feeling good.
Exercise
Keeping active is proven to improve self-esteem. Straight away, physical activity releases serotonin and improves our mood. Overtime, it also makes us feel better about ourselves as we feel healthier and have more energy. For elderly people, this is particularly important as keeping active will keep up their mobility. As soon as they stop using muscles, everything becomes harder. There are many easy exercises people can do from their chairs. You may want to provide them with a piece of paper they can follow or an exercise DVD. You can find some suitable exercises here.
Hairdressers
A nursing home resident may like to keep their own hairdresser. If this is possible, then you should try and facilitate this. If not, the home may have a hairdresser who comes in regularly. A senior help resident may like to keep their own hairdressers to keep their hair looking good keeing them feeling more confident.
Nails
Nails should be kept clean. They may find this hard to do at times as so careers or family members should help. Painting their nails or giving them hand massages can be a great bonding activity too.
Skin Care
If they had a skin care routine before going in a home, they may want to try and keep this going. As skin ages it often becomes more sensitive and so you will need to be careful. You can find some more information about caring for aged skin here.
Tasks
Another way to help self-esteem may be to give them tasks to complete. You may get them to help you write your Christmas cards or help to sew something.
Identity
When someone moves into a home, it is also important that they can continue to feel themselves. If they have any hobbies, then these should continue to be encouraged. You can also help them to retain part of their identity by personalising their room. It is also important to encourage them to get involved in activities the home has to offer. This will help them to socialise, provide entertainment and hopefully, help them settle into the new environment. See also: https://www.onyamagazine.com/australian-affairs/essential-home-decors-that-make-you-go-wow/