How Being Lonely Can Hurt Your Senior Parent
Companion care at home helps seniors with regular interaction.
Often, when family caregivers are thinking about how to help a senior parent, they think about their physical health and safety, but they don’t think about loneliness or social engagement. If your mom or dad is living alone and they don’t often go out, they may be at risk for loneliness.
Loneliness is a chronic condition that can cause serious health problems for seniors. If your mom or dad has a hard time getting out, doesn’t have neighbors they talk to often, and doesn’t drive any longer, they may not get the kind of regular social interaction with people they need.
Even if you visit as often as you can, that might not be enough to provide the amount of social engagement that your mom or dad needs. Some seniors may go days without talking to or seeing someone.
Companion care at home is a great way to make sure that your mom or dad is getting the social interaction they need. If your senior parent has companion care at home, a care provider will visit them on a regular basis and spend hours talking with them, sharing meals, playing games, and doing activities.
If your mom or dad doesn’t have companion care at home and they aren’t getting enough social interaction, they could be at risk for health problems like:
Higher Risk of Depression and Anxiety
Seniors who are socially isolated are at a higher risk of experiencing depression and anxiety. Without regular interaction with family or friends, they may feel a lack of purpose or belonging, leading to feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
The absence of meaningful conversations or connections can also make your mom or dad more stressed, which can harm their mental health and make them more anxious.
Decline in Cognitive Abilities
Seniors need social engagement to maintain brain health. When seniors are isolated, they have fewer opportunities to participate in conversations, solve problems, or engage in mentally stimulating activities.
This lack of mental exercise can lead to a faster decline in cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and decision-making. Studies have shown that social isolation increases the risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Weakened Immune System
Social isolation can also take a toll on your mom or dad’s immune system. Loneliness and chronic stress, often associated with isolation, can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which weakens the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Seniors who are socially isolated may also neglect their health, such as skipping doctor’s appointments or not taking medications as prescribed, which can further compromise their immune health.
Higher Risk of Chronic Health Conditions
Seniors who are socially isolated are more likely to develop or worsen chronic health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Loneliness and lack of interaction often lead to poor health habits, such as unhealthy eating, lack of exercise, or smoking.
The emotional strain of isolation can also increase inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic illnesses. Your mom or dad needs social interaction just as much as they need healthy food or good sleep. Companion care at home providers can help step in regularly when you can’t interact and care for your senior loved one.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Highland Park, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 948-0860. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and the surrounding areas.
- How Being Lonely Can Hurt Your Senior Parent - January 10, 2025
- Setting Meaningful Goals with Seniors - January 3, 2025
- 5 Symptoms of Diabetes Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore - December 24, 2024