Signs Your Senior Parent Is Lonely
Loneliness and social isolation are more serious for seniors than you might think. According to the CDC seniors who are lonely can have a 50% higher risk of dementia than other seniors. And being lonely also increases a senior’s risk of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. Loneliness also contributes to depression and anxiety in seniors.
Seniors who are aging in place get a lot of benefits from living at home, but they also have a higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. If you live far away or if you can’t visit your senior parent often because of work, family, or other obligations, you should talk to your senior parent about companion care.
Companion Care at Home: Preventing Senior Loneliness in Buffalo Grove, IL
Seniors who have companion care get regular visits from friendly and compassionate caregivers who can help seniors around the house, share meals with them, take them shopping, and make sure that seniors aren’t isolated.
Your senior parent may be reluctant to tell you that they’re feeling lonely or isolated. For people of a certain generation talking about feelings like loneliness or depression is difficult. They assume that it’s just something they have to deal with. Often, seniors don’t want their family member to know about their problems.
Because loneliness is such a big problem for seniors and the impact it has can be very serious you should be aware of these signs of loneliness in seniors. If your senior is displaying any of these signs talk to them about companion care or other options for increasing their social connection to the world:
Not Engaging In Social Activities
If your senior parent becomes increasingly isolated and withdraws from social interactions, it could be a sign of loneliness. They may avoid social gatherings, decline invitations from friends or family, or spend long periods alone at home.
Not Returning Calls Or Texts
Your senior parent may stop returning calls and texts promptly. If you are used to checking by phone or text with your senior parent and they stop answering their calls, or take more than a day to call back you should check in with them to see if there is something deeper going on.
Loss of Interest In Life
If your senior parent loses interest in activities and hobbies they once enjoyed, or in talking to neighbors and friends that could be a sign of loneliness. If they stop participating in clubs, church activities, or other social engagements that they used to enjoy that could indicate they are struggling with loneliness or depression.
They’re Eating More, Or Less
Loneliness can affect appetite and eating habits. Your parent may eat less or skip meals altogether, leading to weight loss or changes in nutrition. On the other hand, they may turn to comfort foods or overeat as a way to cope with feelings of loneliness.
Making Sad Statements Or Sharing Depressing Thoughts
Your parent may express feelings of sadness, emptiness, or dissatisfaction with life. They may seem downcast or disinterested in engaging with others, and they may have a negative outlook on the future.
Seeking Attention or Validation
Loneliness may also make your senior parent call you and your siblings more, or want to be in constant contact with family members. If your senior parent is suddenly in everyone’s business and wants to talk all the time that could be their way of trying to maintain social connection because they are feeling disconnected and lonely.
Sources: Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Buffalo Grove, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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