People are busy worrying about missing work, losing jobs, and getting coronavirus. You’re probably worried about your parents getting it. You’ve asked them to stay home, which is an important step. They wash hands regularly and are staying away from others.

One thing that’s starting to happen is that people are feeling isolated. That isolation can make a person feel anxious or blue. If your parents are feeling down because they’re not getting to see their friends or attend social events, you cannot ignore this. If they’re feeling blue, don’t dismiss their feelings. Experts recommend focusing on the four M’s of mental health.

What Are the Four M’s?

What are these “Four M’s?” It’s not as complex or confusing as you might think. Take a closer look at the things your parents can do to practice them.

-Mastery – Your parents need to take time and try to master something of interest. Your dad may decide to sign up to learn a new language. Each day, he can take a class and attempt to master the next lesson. Your mom may pick a recipe she’s never dared to try and give it a shot.

-Meaningful Engagement – Humans need companionship. They need that connection to someone. Right now, social-distancing can make that hard. It doesn’t have to eliminate connections. Your mom could engage by volunteering online or using video chat to connect with her friends.

-Mindfulness – Mindfulness is a calming activity that helps you get into a rhythm and focus on positive thoughts. Your parents don’t have to meditate in a quiet room to practice mindfulness. Your dad may find that carving soap helps him be mindful. Your mom may find kneading bread dough works for her.

-Movement – Staying active is critical to avoiding anxiety or depression. Your parents can go for walks. They can dig out garden beds or start planting if it’s warm enough. They can dance, ride a bicycle, or clean out the cupboards.

What If They Need Help Around the Home?

Your parents may not be able to function each day without some help. If you’re self-quarantined, you can’t go to help them. Your best bet is to call a home care agency and arrange caregivers to stop by and help with housework, laundry, or meal preparation.

Your parents have the help they need, and you don’t have to worry about them. Caregivers provide companionship and have the information and training necessary to limit the potential of spreading COVID-19. Call a specialist to discuss how caregivers can help your parents while also working hard to prevent the spread.

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring a Caregiver in Walnut Creek, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855

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andy@hcprosonline.com

CEO at HomeCare Professionals

Andy Howardis a Bay Area Native who holds a BA in Political Science (University of Colorado at Boulder, ’97). After college Andy worked in the surging tech industry.His Grandmother however, would suffer a significant decline in health and ultimately needed in-home care. The experience of a loved one depending on outside help to age in place proved to be pivotal for Andy as he left the tech industry in 2002 for an opportunity in the home care world with a large provider. After having success in home care, but being frustrated by corporate constraints Andy founded HomeCare Professionals in 2005.He methodically built the company one client at a time by focusing on hiring quality caregivers to ensure positive outcomes. Currently Andy serves as the CEO of HomeCare Professionals and is also highly active in the non-profit organization California Association of Health Services at Home (CAHSAH) which advocates for a higher standard of in-home care for those who wish to remain living at home in California.

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