A University of California San Francisco study showed 18 percent of seniors live alone. Moreover, 43 percent reported feeling lonely on a regular basis. While feelings of loneliness can impact a senior’s mood and general outlook, more studies are showing loneliness can also have a dramatic impact on a senior’s health and overall wellbeing. Aging adults who are lonely report a higher incidence of depression, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer. Here are some of the ways your family can help your senior loved one combat loneliness.
Keep Routines Intact
With age, certain activities, such as cooking and cleaning, can become more difficult for aging adults to perform. However, seniors who are able to maintain as much of their regular routines as possible are often more likely to experience feelings of independence and self-worth. Encourage your loved one to continue with regular housework activities to the best of his or her ability, and offer to help whenever possible.
Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional home care. Assisting Hands Home Care Reston is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Encourage Self-Care
Over time, seniors may begin to pay less attention to maintaining their personal hygiene because they feel there’s no point, especially if they’re not visiting with friends and family regularly. However, self-care is important for self-esteem and can help seniors maintain a positive attitude if they live alone.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of Reston elder care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
Suggest Caring for a Pet or Plant
Loneliness among seniors can often be alleviated when they have something to care about. Whether it’s an animal companion or even a plant, having something to take care of can help seniors stay motivated. With pets in particular, being able to pet and care for an animal that returns affection can help a senior feel connected and engaged.
Introduce Technology
Many seniors are learning how to use Facebook and send emails to friends and family members. Video chatting on laptops or tablets can also allow seniors to see the people they’re communicating with, and online forums provide the opportunity to chat and even meet people who share common interests.
Find New Friends
Getting out of the house to a weekly church event, sharing a shopping experience at the grocery store with a caring neighbor, or even having someone from a licensed home care agency come by for a few hours on certain days of the week can provide seniors with the companionship needed to combat loneliness and depression.
For families living in Reston, senior home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at 703-556-8983.
