It’s no secret that emotions can be a powerful force in our lives. They can motivate us, inspire us, and give us the strength to overcome obstacles. But emotions can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and even depression. But, expressing emotions can have significant benefits for mental health and well-being. Therefore, this blog will cover how you can help your loved ones open up and different ways to encourage them.
Help them open up
When we keep our emotions bottled up inside, they can fester and grow. We start to feel overwhelmed, and our stress levels can skyrocket. Especially for care home residents who may feel isolated or have difficulty communicating. But when we talk about or express our emotions, we give ourselves the opportunity to process them in a healthy way.
Our weekly activities bring our residents together, to make them feel apart of a team, to give them the chance to talk to one another and to reduce the feeling of isolation.
Check out more of our mental health awareness week blog posts
How we encourage our residents
Encouraging our residents to discuss their emotions can lead to stronger social connections and a greater sense of community within care homes. Below is a list of ways we encourage our residents to talk about their emotions.
- Create a comfortable and safe environment: We ensure that our care home environment is welcoming and that our residents feel comfortable and safe to express themselves.
- Develop a trusting relationship: At Athena Healthcare Group, we build trusting relationships with our residents. We greet them with kindness and respect, and take the time to listen to their concerns.
- Encourage participation in group activities: Our group activities can help residents feel more comfortable and open to sharing their emotions. We always try to encourage participation in group activities such as art therapy, music therapy, and group bingo games.
- Provide one-on-one support: Some residents may feel more comfortable sharing their emotions on a one-on-one basis. Our lodges provide one to one conversations with each resident to ensure they’re supported.
Remember
Remember, prioritising emotional well-being in care homes can help residents to live happier, healthier lives.
We are here for you and your needs. Get in touch via email hello@ahcg.co.uk or give us a call on 01704 53 53 53.
