How Senior Elder Care Services Can Help Combat Loneliness
Written by:
Jeffrey Grossman
Published:
April 14, 2020
Ensuring your loved one is receiving the in home care they need, explore how elder care helps seniors combat loneliness and offers caregivers peace of mind.
According to a recent Time Magazine survey, one out of every three older adults combats loneliness. At the same time, nine out of every ten older adults intend to live at home for at least the next five to ten years. Aging at home comes with a variety of benefits. Remaining in a familiar space can reduce stressors. Aging in place also saves the money that would otherwise be spent on packers, movers, home sale advertisements, and assisted living facilities.However, living alone may also increase the risk of loneliness, especially for the elderly population. Fortunately, in-home elder care can help to combat loneliness.
Why Is Loneliness a Problem?
We've all experienced loneliness at one time or another and know that it isn't a pleasant feeling. For the elderly, prolonged loneliness can lead to or worsen negative health conditions and reduce their quality of life. Read on to find out more about the long term effects of loneliness.
Increased Mental Health Problems
Seniors who experience prolonged bouts of loneliness may develop feelings of anxiety. This could arise from the uncertainty of future contact, the fear of not receiving help in a crisis, or more.At the same time, they may develop depression or depressive symptoms. Without meaningful social interaction, it may become difficult to self-motivate. Feelings of apathy may take over and previously enjoyed activities may become less enjoyable.
Increased Cognitive Problems
Studies have found that prolonged loneliness can lead to a decline in cognitive functions. These include memory, decision-making, and language control. In fact, one study concluded that feelings of loneliness can speed up the development of Alzheimer's.
Decline In Self-Care
As a result of both declining mental health and declining cognitive ability, some elder adults may experience a decline in self-care. Without motivation to do so, they may stop cooking balanced meals and opt for less healthy choices. They may also find themselves bathing and grooming less and feeling less optimistic about performing self-care tasks.
How Elder Care Can Help
Fortunately, there is a clear solution for those who age at home and experience loneliness. Commonwise Home Care provides personal, senior elder care services to allow loved ones to remain in their home without feeling alone. Our trained and talented caregivers can help with everything from grooming to transportation to medication management. Read on to find out more about how elder care at home can help combat feelings of loneliness.
Companionship
Perhaps the most obvious way home care can help to combat loneliness is by providing companionship. Many of our clients opt for Monday-Friday daily visits, allowing our caregivers to truly get to know them. 24-hour care for the elderly in their home is available for those who need extra assistance. As the relationship strengthens, each visit becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.Professional caregivers offer regular, face-to-face contact that can brighten your loved one’s mood and give them something to look forward to every day.
Transportation
Many older adults are lonely simply because they are isolated. They may not capable of driving or reaching a bus service, leaving them stuck at home most of the time. A home care agency can provide transportation services to seniors through a caregiver. This can help them settle back into a routine that involves attending meetings or social support groups, interacting with store clerks, and more.
Mental Health Improvement
In some cases, it may be that physical or mental health issues led to loneliness, and not the other way around. Regardless of the source, depression can make it very difficult to get out and visit friends and family members. Physical health problems can limit mobility and make outings less enjoyable. Social support and compassionate care by trained caregivers can help seniors get back on track and feeling their best. Caregivers can also assist seniors with low-impact physical activity that is energy-boosting and stress-relieving. Having a healthy body and mind can truly allow aging adults to reclaim their lives!
Respite Care
Are you the family member or primary caregiver for an elderly individual? Do you find that you sometimes experience caregiver burnout? Consider respite care. Sometimes, loneliness doesn't stem from physical isolation. It can also stem from the loss of social interaction. When a loved one becomes a caregiver, their original relationship may shift over time. The caregiver may not have the time or emotional energy to provide comfort or conversation. Their focus may be scattered between the responsibilities they personally have and their loved one’s wellbeing. When you opt for respite care, you can get the rest you need to return to your loved one in a renewed state. In addition, your loved one gets to socialize with another person, thereby expanding their sphere of social interaction. This allows your loved one to feel less like a patient and more like a family member again.
Sign Up For Elder Care Today
If you or a loved one are aging at home and battling feelings of loneliness, why not make a change? No, you don't have to move to a new location. Simply reach out for more information about at home care services. At Commonwise Home Care, we make personal care plans, unique to each individual. Caregivers can come in for a few hours a day to assist with daily tasks or you can sign up for elder live-in care where caregivers are present around the clock. Families, feel free to browse our professional, in-home care services or call us at 434.202.8565.