No one should ever feel lonely, and your senior loved one should always know that he or she has social support. Many seniors who live alone experience feelings of isolation that impact their quality of life. Caregivers can reduce their loved one’s risk of loneliness by adopting the following strategies.
Introduce Them to Social Media
Older adults who do not venture far from their homes can still connect with family members and friends by using the internet. Help your loved one set up a profile on a preferred social media website so he or she can begin reconnecting with old friends and communicating with family members. Make sure to cover a few basics about online safety such as never sharing personal information with strangers.
Using social media is just one of the many ways older adults can socialize. For families living in Lincoln, respite 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Establish a Standing Lunch Date
Seniors who live alone may hardly see anyone unless they step out of their homes. While your loved one might not be able to see someone every day, an upcoming event on the calendar gives him or her something to look forward to. Arrange for you or another caregiver to stop by regularly for lunch or dinner dates. Setting a lunch date gives you a way to check on your loved one and provide a reliable outlet for socialization that he or she can think about when feeling lonely.
Older adults who need regular socialization or help attending social events should consider professional in-home care. Lincoln senior care experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Encourage Them to Adopt a Pet
Whether your loved one prefers dogs or cats, a furry friend provides someone to bond with when there are no other humans around. Once your loved one picks out the perfect pet, help him or her create a care schedule that includes feeding, grooming, and veterinarian visits. Keep in mind that seniors who have challenges such as the inability to drive can still care for their pets with help. Watch for signs that your loved one needs assistance with getting the pet to the vet or maintaining a feeding schedule.
Identify People They Can Reach Out To
Sometimes seniors forget they have a diverse social network filled with people who care. If you notice your loved one is becoming isolated, grab a pen and paper and create a list of people he or she can contact when feeling lonely. Make sure to provide people from a variety of sources. For instance, an overnight caregiver may be able to help your loved one avoid feeling lonely at night when other people are asleep.
Get Them Out into the Community
After retirement, seniors have much more time to get out in the world and mingle. However, your loved one may need a little encouragement to get out of the house. Identify a few senior-friendly events in the community and arrange for a trusted caregiver to accompany your loved one on the trip. Your loved one may even make a few new friends at community events that pertain to his or her interests.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to help your loved one prevent isolation. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated home care, Lincoln, CA, families can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise. Whether your loved one needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive 24-hour care, give us a call at (916) 226-3737 today.