How to Help Seniors Stay Socially Connected?
More than a third of senior citizens feel lonely and socially isolated, as per a recent report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. What’s the difference between social isolation and loneliness? Well social isolation is when an individual lacks a sense of social belonging, does not engage with others, and has very few social contacts. Loneliness is a state of being alone, impacting approximately 20 million senior citizens worldwide.
While social isolation can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, premature death and dementia in older adults, loneliness is linked to a higher risk of anxiety, depression and suicide. Hence, it is crucial to find ways to help seniors stay socially connected, ensuring the highest quality of mental, emotional and physical health for them.
Helping Seniors Stay Socially Connected
As per AARP, one in five family care providers offer unpaid care for older adults with functional and health requirements. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand that a complete team is required to ensure the highest level of social connectedness for senior citizens. There are different ways for friends and family members to offer social support and create meaningful interactions with their senior loved ones. Here are a few options to consider:
Go for the Services of an In-Home Care Provider
In-home care providers are the best resort for lonely and socially disconnected senior citizens. Besides helping the seniors with their daily living activities, they offer a little extra help around the house, along with companionship and conversations. Perfectly trained to ensure complete safety for seniors at home, the in-home care providers from Vesta Elder Care can also facilitate video chats and calls with distant loved ones.
Our care providers are there by the senior’s side during periods of isolation and illness, taking care of their mental, physical and emotional requirements. Their major roles and responsibilities include:
- Bowel and bladder care
- Maintaining personal hygiene
- Administering medicines
- Ambulation and movements
- Performing prescribed exercises
- Feeding
Keeping the elderly company and maintaining a sympathetic attitude towards them are duties that our in-home care providers excel at. Besides being experienced and skilled, they are deeply compassionate. So, you can rest assured that your loved seniors under their care will receive the same respect and tenderness as they would under the care of family members.
Technology at the Rescue
Nowadays, it is easier than ever to stay connected and overcome distance and mobility challenges with Zoom and FaceTime. If these hi-tech technological boons seem way more complicated for older adults, simple phone calls can also help them stay connected with family and friends. The only thing you need to do is encourage your loved senior to contact at least one friend or family member daily in order to stay socially connected.
Make Changes to Their Daily Routine
Go through the elderly’s daily routine thoroughly, and if you find that it does not involve much socializing, consider helping them do something different. This may include starting a book club with the neighbours or coming up with a walking group. You may also enroll them in local classes or clubs that deal with activities that they may be interested in.
Get Them Completely Involved
Encourage the elderly to take up volunteering programs. This way, they can give back to the community and even meet people who share the same interests. Ensure involving them in volunteering causes they love and find other new options for them.
Besides volunteering programs, older adults can support local teams, attend local events and join faith-based organizations to stay socially connected. Shopping locally and serving on a local board are other activities that can help them engage with others.
Arrange Game Nights
Game nights with friends and families can make your older loved ones feel closer and connected. Go for popular board games online, especially those that can be played together. You can even look for sites with a plethora of card games and other fun activities that you can enjoy along with the senior citizens in your family.
Consider Getting a Pet
Of course, you can get them a pet, but ask them first and ensure they are comfortable. Pets are wonderful companions for senior citizens and offer sufficient scope to connect with others. Social connections can grow when older adults take their pets for walks through the neighbourhood, at cat cafes and dog parks.
Conclusion
For seniors who require companionship or help staying socially connected, the in-home care providers at Vesta Elder Care can be a good option. Besides assistance and support with daily living, our care providers encourage overall health through companionship, meal preparation and grocery shopping. Their main objective is to offer seniors the means to find joy and happiness every day, regardless of their age. Contact us now to learn more about our in-home care services. You can also download our app to get in touch with us from anywhere anytime.
LEAVE US A MESSAGE
Dr. Prateek Bhardwaj is the COO of Vesta Elder Care. a physiotherapist by profession and Prateek joined the Vesta team at its time of inception. His years of experience have enriched Vesta to become a service-oriented organization and have guided the team through its many milestones