January is Mental Wellness Month, and while mental health is a topic that’s frequently talked about in our world today, there’s one group we tend to overlook: older adults. Mental health problems in older adults often fall under the radar because they’re assumed to be normal signs of aging. Depression and anxiety are often brought on by the changes many people face later in life. Retirement, loss of a loved one, or prolonged illness may leave them feeling lonely, sad, and isolated.
Although LifeCare Alliance is known for the services we deliver including nutritious meals, personal care, housekeeping, etc., these services go much further. For instance, Meals-on-Wheels offers our older clients more than a meal: we offer them connection, companionship, and support. Quite often a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer may be the only person the client sees all day, and seeing that familiar face boosts their mood and lets them know they’re not alone.
But clients are not the only people who benefit from these interactions. Volunteers often report a mood boost after delivering a Meals-on-Wheels route, and helping others can be a positive form of self-care. The relationships formed, and conversations shared, can be just as meaningful for both clients and volunteers. These interactions foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and community that benefit the wellness of everyone involved.
Additional Articles from the January 2025 Newsletter
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