Holistic Care for Seniors: What It Is and What It Looks Like
When most of us think of health and wellness, we probably envision a reactive, segmented model: we might visit doctors when something is going wrong with our health, but rarely on a proactive basis. Similarly, we typically visit different professionals depending on whether we are seeking treatment for physical, mental, or other concerns.
However, although this model of care is the norm, it might not be the ideal approach, particularly for seniors whose environmental, physical, social, and mental needs overlap. More and more, healthcare providers and individuals are recognizing the need to shift to a holistic care approach, which emphasizes proactive care that is intended to address the mental, physical, and spiritual needs as a whole, rather than as distinct categories.
Examples of Holistic Care
At its core, the holistic health model is based on the premise that an unmet need or problem in one area of a person's life will have consequences for other aspects of that person's life. Conversely, healthy choices or actions in one area will also have beneficial effects on the rest of their life. Consider the following examples:
Eating healthy and exercising regularly helps to keep seniors physically strong, which can enable them to remain mobile and continue doing the things they love. Physical activity and nutrition have also been known to improve seniors' mental health and keep them mentally sharp, and can even help combat dementia.
Finding ways to remain engaged in their communities helps seniors avoid isolation, which can have serious consequences for their mental health. Seniors experiencing isolation may be at risk for heart disease, stroke, and depression (which can lead to its own host of physical health issues).
Benefits of Holistic Care
In addition to helping seniors live independently for longer, a holistic care approach can have dramatic benefits for seniors' overall well-being and quality of life. Better overall health can also reduce medical costs and caregiver burden.
If you're interested in learning more about holistic care for seniors, we are here to help! PACE of Southwest Michigan's innovative philosophy focuses on providing care to seniors in their own homes and communities, thereby allowing them to maintain their comfort, independence, and dignity. PACE takes a holistic, all-inclusive approach to care that combines interdisciplinary healthcare, social support, spiritual care, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling to have their care needs met, check your eligibility or contact us to explore your options.