Understanding Loneliness and Isolation in Aging Adults
One of the biggest issues your elderly family member might face could be loneliness. That can seem surprising, especially if your elderly family member has other health issues to be concerned about. The reality is, though, that people need a certain amount of socialization and emotional support in order to remain healthy. Here is some more information that can help your senior to avoid self-isolation.
Risk Factors for Senior Isolation
Companion Care at Home Highland Park, IL: Loneliness and Isolation
Some seniors are more at risk of developing loneliness and becoming isolated than others. That’s because their risk factors are different. Aging adults with an increased risk of progressive or chronic illness, cognitive issues, and reduction in mobility are more likely to become isolated. Seniors who experience a great deal of stress, anxiety, or depression are also more likely to experience loneliness and isolation.
Causes of Senior Loneliness and Isolation
Regardless of risk factors, though, your elderly family member can be in a situation that causes her to retreat from the world and isolate herself. Situations like a death of someone your senior loves, fears about leaving her home, or worries about becoming a burden can all cause your aging family member to become lonelier. Finding ways to address the issues making life more difficult for your senior is crucial.
Use Technology to Bring People Closer Together
One way you can do this is to find ways to use technology to help your aging family member reach out to people she cares about who are far away. Video calling, telephone calls, and even pre-recorded videos sent to your senior are all ways to help her to feel more connected. This is especially important when everyone lives in different areas.
Look for Transportation Solutions
Another big hindrance to connection for seniors is often transportation. If your elderly family member no longer drives, it’s crucial to find a way to ensure that she has easy transportation access. Home care providers are an excellent choice because they can help make sure that your senior gets safely anywhere that she needs to go.
Hire Companion Care at Home
An easy way to help your senior to socialize more is to hire home care professionals to stop by and spend some time with her. Companion care at home is able to engage your senior in conversation, watch television with her, and generally support her socializing needs. This is a great way for your senior to have someone to visit with if she’s not comfortable getting out more often or going somewhere to spend time with people. Knowing that there’s someone there with your senior can make a big difference for you and for her as well.
Each senior has different needs around socializing, of course, so it’s important to work with your elderly family member to determine what she needs and wants in terms of a solution. If there are ways to easily increase the amount of socialization your elderly family member gets, that can go a long way toward helping her to stay connected.
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) 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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