June 6, 2024

Promoting Mental Health Awareness for Elderly: How We Balance Good Mental Health at Leicestershire County Care Homes

Sahini Chatla

At Leicestershire County Care Homes, we understand that mental health is as crucial as physical health, especially for our senior residents. Mental health awareness is a continuous journey, and last month, we dedicated ourselves to celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week across all our homes. This initiative aimed to emphasize the importance of mental well-being and to introduce activities and strategies that support our residents’ mental health.

The Importance of Mental Health for Elderly

As people age, they often face significant life changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, and health issues that can impact their mental well-being. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness are common among the elderly, making it essential to provide a supportive environment that promotes good mental health.

Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week

Our celebration of Mental Health Awareness Week was a comprehensive effort to educate, engage, and support our residents in maintaining their mental well-being. Here’s how we marked the week:

1. Interactive Workshops and Seminars: We organized a series of workshops and seminars that provided valuable information on mental health. Experts in geriatric psychology discussed common mental health issues in the elderly and offered practical tips on how to manage them. Topics included stress management, coping with grief, and understanding depression.

2. Art and Music Therapy Sessions: Creative expression can significantly improve mental health. We held art and music therapy sessions that allowed residents to explore their emotions and express themselves in a supportive environment. These activities not only provided joy but also helped reduce anxiety and depression.

3. Mindfulness and Meditation Classes: Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for enhancing mental well-being. Our mindfulness sessions taught residents techniques to stay present, reduce stress, and find inner peace. Guided meditation sessions helped them relax and clear their minds.

4. Physical Activities and Nature Walks: Regular physical activity is linked to improved mental health. We organized group exercises, yoga sessions, and nature walks. Being active and spending time outdoors helped residents boost their mood and fostered a sense of community. Few of our homes went extra mile and organised animal therapy to which our residents has shown great engagement.

Read about our Kirby House Care Home Animal Therapy

5. Social Events and Community Engagement: Social isolation can negatively impact mental health. We hosted various social events, including tea parties, movie nights, and game afternoons, to encourage social interaction and create a sense of belonging. Residents also engaged with the local community through volunteer activities and visits from local schools and organizations.

6. One-on-One Counseling: Understanding that some residents may need individual support, we provided one-on-one counseling sessions. Our trained counselors offered a safe space for residents to talk about their feelings and receive personalized advice and support.

Ongoing Commitment to Mental Health

While Mental Health Awareness Week has wrapped up, our commitment to our residents’ mental well-being continues year-round. Here are some ways we ensure ongoing mental health support:

Regular Mental Health Check-ins: We conduct regular mental health check-ins with our residents to identify any concerns early and provide timely support.

Support Groups: We have established support groups where residents can share their experiences and support each other in a nurturing environment.

Training for Staff: Our staff members receive ongoing training in mental health awareness and support strategies. This ensures they are equipped to recognize signs of mental distress and offer appropriate assistance.

Family Involvement: We encourage family members to be involved in our residents’ lives. Regular visits, family events, and open communication help strengthen familial bonds and support our residents’ mental health.

Conclusion

At Leicestershire County Care Homes, we believe that good mental health is fundamental to a fulfilling life. Our efforts during Mental Health Awareness Week and our continuous initiatives are testament to our commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for our residents. By integrating mental health awareness into our daily routines, we ensure that our residents can enjoy their golden years with the peace, joy, and mental well-being they deserve.

For more information on our mental health programs and upcoming events, please visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our cherished residents.

Please visit our Facebook Page to see latest events that are going on in our care homes.

Sunshine, Sweet Treats & St George’s Day Fun at Lenthall House!

This week at Lenthall House Care Home, we took full advantage of the glorious sunshine with a delightful afternoon in the garden — and what better way to celebrate St George’s Day than by making classic jam tarts together? Surrounded by blooming flowers and the cheerful buzz of spring, our residents rolled up their sleeves (and their picnic blankets!) for some old-fashioned baking in the fresh air. With strawberry and raspberry jam glistening in the sun, our homemade tarts were just as sweet as the smiles on everyone’s faces. Laughter, light chatter, and the occasional taste-test filled the garden as we enjoyed the warmth on our skin and the joy of creating something together. And yes — some of us even caught a bit of a tan! It was a simple yet wonderful day, reminding us how lovely life’s little pleasures can be — good company, sunshine, and a jam tart or two. To see more pictures, visit Lenthall House Care Home Facebook Page. Visit our Lenthall House website to get more information.

Blooming Memories at Curtis Weston House 🌼

Flower arranging brings joy and cherished memories to our residents. This week at Curtis Weston House in Wigston, we enjoyed a calm and creative afternoon of flower arranging — and for one of our residents, May, it became a truly special moment. As May carefully selected and styled her blooms, she shared with us that she used to arrange flowers for her local church. Surrounded by fresh petals and the gentle support of our staff, the activity seemed to unlock a beautiful memory. Her eyes lit up, and her hands moved with confidence and joy, as if no time had passed. It was a lovely moment for everyone to witness — a quiet reminder of how meaningful activities can reconnect us with who we are and where we’ve been. The final arrangements were as lovely as the smiles they brought. At Curtis Weston House, we cherish these moments that make our house feel like home — filled with warmth, creativity, and the memories that matter most. Follow our Facebook Page Here for more pictures from Curtis Weston House. To know more information about our home, please visit our Website

A Precious Moment at Arbor House: A Story of Love, Memories, and Generations

At Arbor House Care Home, every visit is a reminder of the beauty of life, the importance of memories, and the power of love that spans generations. Today, we share a truly special moment between a remarkable little boy and his beloved great-nana—a moment that speaks volumes about resilience, joy, and the timeless bonds of family. This was Riley’s very first visit to see his great-nana, a milestone in itself. Born with a rare condition, a hernia of the diaphragm, Riley defied the odds, with only a 10% chance of survival. Now, at just four months old, he is a living miracle. And as he sits with his great-nana, who will be celebrating her 80th birthday this May, the beauty of life comes into focus. The contrast of their ages, spanning nearly eight decades, serves as a poignant reminder of how precious time truly is. A single photograph from this visit captures it all—love, history, and the incredible fortune of having four generations in one room. Though great-nana’s memory isn’t what it used to be, some things remain untouched by time—like her love for Cliff Richard. The music that once filled their home when Riley’s parent was just a child still holds a special place in her heart. When Cliff’s songs play from a phone, her face lights up, and for a moment, she’s a teenager again—singing, smiling, and laughing like no time has passed which fills the heart of staff members at Arbor House. It’s in these moments that we see the magic of music, the joy of reminiscing, and the deep connections that never fade. Cromer, too, holds a special place in their family’s story. For generations, it has been their go-to holiday destination—a place where childhood memories were made, where laughter echoed on the beach, and where love for family deepened. Great-nana spent her summers there with her parents, then with her children, and later with her grandchildren. And now, this summer, Riley will become part of that tradition, continuing a legacy of love and togetherness. These small but significant traditions are what bind families together. The songs we sing, the places we visit, the stories we share—these are the things that make us who we are. For great-nana, each visit from her loved ones is another chapter in her story, another page filled with warmth, joy, and a connection that transcends time and memory. For Riley, these moments, though fleeting now, will one day be part of his own family’s story, a treasured past that will shape his future. Life is unpredictable; we never know where it will take us or what it may take from us. But what we do have is the power to cherish every moment, to create memories, and to capture them in photos that will tell our stories for years to come. This single photograph, spanning four months to eighty years, is a testament to how lucky we truly are—to have love, to have family, and to have moments like this to hold onto forever. So, take the pictures, make the memories, and never stop celebrating the precious gift of life. Because in the end, it’s not just about the years we live, but the love we share and the moments that make life truly meaningful. ❤️ Follow Arbor House’s Facebook Here

Leicestershire County Care