As we begin another year, many of us might already be struggling with ambitious new year’s resolutions. So why don’t we take a step back and look at our quality of life. How would you rate your quality of life? On a scale of one to five, with one being low and five being high, what number would you assign to the quality of life you have today?

The World Health Organization defines quality of life as how a person lives their life “in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.” Quality of life is so important, there is a month dedicated to it. January is International Quality of Life Month, which sounds like a great way to start a new year.

At Right at Home Australia, we value our client’s and staff’s quality of life so highly it’s our official mission statement: To improve the quality of life for those we serve. But how can you improve your quality of life? Here are three lifestyle factors that might help.

Independence

At Right at Home, our business is helping people who want to stay independent as they age and with good reason. People who feel they have autonomy and control over their life live longer.

Staying independent while aging—or, put another way, not feeling like a burden to others—is closely dependent on health. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, do not smoke, and drink only in moderation. Get an annual physical exam and all the recommended screenings and keep your vaccinations up to date. See a dentist regularly and take care of your mental health. Consider making in-home adaptations that can prevent falls and help your mobility as you age, such as grab bars in the bathroom and improved lighting.

Right at Home assist and support the elderly and those living with a disability to be independent in their own homes with a extensive range of customised homecare services. Right at home is an approved Home Care Packages Provider for levels 1 through to 4 and can assist the elderly who have government funding through My Aged Care and they can also assist people who wish to pay privately. Right at Home also support adults of any age who live with a disability. All of our offices can support NDIS participants who are plan and self managed and some of our offices are also NDIS Registered Providers and can support agency managed NDIS participants. 

Satisfying Relationships

Dozens of studies have shown that people who have satisfying relationships with family, friends, and their community are happier, have fewer health problems, and live longer. One study found that lack of strong relationships increased the risk of premature death from all causes by 50%—an effect on mortality risk roughly comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and greater than obesity and physical inactivity.

Building and preserving relationships is sometimes easier for extroverts and for people with large families or longtime friends. If that does not describe you, find comfortable ways to connect with like-minded people. That might be talking to a neighbour, going to the local senior centre, or doing volunteer work. Volunteer work has been shown to create a sense of purpose, which many people also equate with quality of life. Find easy ways to stay in touch with friends and family—with letters, calls, email or whatever works best for you.

Right at Home understands how important this is and our services include companion care, socialisation and community connection to assist in the maintaining and development of satisfying relationships.  Our services include transportation to and from social activities as well as companionship and support during the activities. 

Having a Positive Mindset

Attitude and resilience have both been shown to affect physical and mental health. Studies have shown an indisputable link between having a positive outlook and health benefits like lower blood pressure, less heart disease, better weight control and healthier blood sugar levels,” notes health columnist Jane Brody of the New York Times. Resilience is our ability to cope with and bounce back from adversity and, like a positive attitude, it can be learned and improved.

Most older adults have experienced what some might consider the “mixed blessing” of many ups and downs in life. How does one gain such a balanced attitude about coping with whatever challenges life brings? “Like building a muscle, increasing your resilience takes time and intentionality,” says the American Psychological Association. Focusing on four core components—connection, wellness, healthy thinking, and meaning—can empower you to withstand and learn from difficult and traumatic experiences. It is no coincidence that those four components themselves are common factors in quality of life. Dipping a toe into the pond can have many positive ripple effects.

Quality of Life Can Improve Longevity

What does quality of life mean to you? What are the things that bring personal meaning to your life? It is good to think about these questions because improving your quality of life could improve your longevity. Yes, research has shown that a person who feels they have a good quality of life might live longer than someone who does not. Right at Home services are designed to give you more independence and freedom and in so doing, improve your quality of life. Why not give the concept of quality of life, and the possibility of support to achieve that, some thought today?

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links: 

Australian Government Department of Health 

Victorian Health and Human Services 

NSW Health 

Queensland Health 

ACT Health 

WA Department of Health 

Tasmanian Department of Health 

Northern Territory Department of Health 

SA Health 

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors (elderly and aged care), and any adult who needs our care at home including adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no package management fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget. 

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one. 

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website. 

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Adelaide Central; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane North; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Central Queensland & Wide Bay; Darling Downs; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast North; Gold Coast South; Greater Logan; Mackay; Moreton Bay Region; Noosa, Gympie & Hinterland; Sunshine Coast; Townsville; Central West New South Wales; Gosford; Hunter & Port Stephens; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Northern Rivers; Padstow St George; Southern NSW; Sydney Central & Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Inner West; Sydney Liverpool; Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Norwest; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Parramatta; Sydney Ryde; Sydney The Hills; Sydney Upper North Shore; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt; Perth Como; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Southwest Victoria