Loneliness is a much bigger issue than many people realize, especially for older adults. Families may not realize how much loneliness causes issues for the seniors they love. It’s not unusual for family caregivers to be incredibly busy with a lot of responsibilities, while friends and family members move away. Seniors may not have nearly the same options for socializing that they had in the past, contributing to loneliness. Companion care at home offers a way for aging adults to combat loneliness.
Understanding the Loneliness Epidemic Among Seniors
Loneliness isn’t just about spending more time alone. It’s a situation in which someone spends so much time alone that they develop a chronic condition. Loneliness among seniors happens for a lot of different reasons. Family members and friends have a lot going on and may not be able to spend time around seniors as much. Seniors may also be slowing down because they retire or develop health issues that cause them to spend more time at home. Eventually, that time alone increases and becomes more difficult to manage.
Health Effects of Loneliness
According to Consumer Affairs, over 28 percent of seniors live by themselves. Feeling socially isolated and lonely increases the risk of seniors developing dementia, having a stroke, experiencing cardiovascular issues, or developing mental health issues. It can even lead to premature death. All of this can lead to a bigger strain on the healthcare system because more people are vulnerable to these issues.
What Is Companion Care at Home?
Companion caregivers are a special type of home care providers who focus entirely on spending time with aging adults. These care providers offer emotional and social support, help seniors stay connected, and help them to engage in activities that they enjoy. The main way that they might achieve these goals is through meaningful conversations, playing games, or engaging in light physical activity with seniors, like taking walks.
Reducing the Impact of Loneliness
Regular visits from companion caregivers can do so much to reduce the impacts of loneliness. Seniors have someone to talk to, to laugh with, and to share thoughts and feelings with on a regular basis. Continued visits help to build emotional connections and social confidence. After a while, seniors may feel more like exploring other options for socialization. Personalizing the engagement that seniors receive can help to keep their brains stimulated and engaged, which is a fantastic way to support cognitive health.
Watching for Other Signs of Trouble
Companion care at home can also help family caregivers to stay aware of other signs of trouble. These professional caregivers watch for signs of cognitive decline or worsening health issues. Sharing that information when they notice it helps family members get help for seniors as quickly as possible.
Companion care at home offers seniors an easy and enjoyable way to deal with the effects of loneliness. Their compassion and genuine desire to help aging adults have someone to spend time with on a regular basis enriches seniors’ lives and helps them to thrive as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved one needs companion care at home in Moraga, CA, please call the professionals at Provident Care at 209.578.1210. We will answer your questions and help you learn more about home care options.
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