While many people dream of retirement life while they are younger, sadly, retiring often leads to social isolation and feelings of loneliness in the elderly. One in three seniors report feeling socially isolated and alone in their day-to-day lives. They still might have occasional family gatherings to attend or a weekly social group, but overall, they feel alone most days. Companion care at home services can help.
Social Isolation Has Negative Health Effects
Feeling consistently isolated from the world can have negative health consequences for your loved one. It can be as damaging to her health as any other disease or illness she may develop. Social isolation has been shown to shorten life spans, damage both physical and mental health, as well as weaken the immune system, making getting ill much easier.
Social Isolation should be viewed as a health concern that should be addressed with their medical team, companion care at home providers, and family caregivers.
Social Isolation Causes in Seniors
There can be numerous reasons why your elderly loved one is feeling socially isolated. If she doesn’t have family that lives nearby or that family is overwhelmed with other responsibilities, she may be feeling that disconnect she once had with her children and grandchildren. One way many parents connected with their children was by providing daily living essentials like meals, bathing, bedtime, etc., so once those are gone, they may have struggled to find new ways to connect.
Another reason many elderly feel lonely is their inability to leave their homes and connect with the community. Whether it’s because of physical or cognitive limitations, they may not feel safe leaving home to attend community events or join a group that shares a common interest.
Companion Care At Home Can Help Reduce Social Isolation and Loneliness
Having something to look forward to most days can do a world of good for someone feeling socially isolated. It can provide a reason to get up each morning, get ready, and even do such positive actions as getting the home cleaned or preparing a bowl of snacks to share. All of these little actions form a way to connect with others. For seniors who can’t easily make it out of the home, having someone visit and provide companion care at home services can be the right solution.
Companion care at home providers do just that; they provide a way for your loved one to connect with a companion in her own home. Companion care at home providers will develop a relationship with your loved one that will help her feel connected and appreciated for exactly who she is. They will find out what brings her joy when connecting with others and then join her in activities such as baking at home, gardening in the yard, putting a puzzle together, or simply sipping some coffee while sitting on the porch in silence.
Whatever your loved one is most comfortable doing, they are there to make sure she doesn’t have to do it alone all of the time.
If you don’t live near your loved one or are unable to connect with her regularly throughout the week, a companion care at home provider might be just what your loved one needs to help her stay living independently in her home. It can also provide you with another connection point, knowing that your loved one is visited regularly.
Companion care at home providers can let you know if they see or suspect there are health or home areas that should be addressed to keep your loved one safe and healthy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Encinitas, CA, please contact the caring staff at La Jolla Nurses Homecare today. Call (858) 454-9339
La Jolla Nurses Homecare is a top provider of home care services in San Diego, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carmel Valley, Point Loma, Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, Kensington, Coronado, University City, Pacific Beach, and all of San Diego County.
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Today we are the oldest and most experienced private duty agency in San Diego County.She saw a need for quality private duty home health care and she worked diligently to build an agency that filled that need.I am proud to say, her vision is carried on today with our dedicated staff.
I believe our tenure in the community speaks well for us.We have had the opportunity to be of service to countless interesting individuals, including local and worldwide celebrities.It is the people we care for that makes this a fascinating industry.Whether high profile or a more ordinary citizen, we are proud that thousands have entrusted us with their care or the care of their loved ones.Our Mission is to provide high quality, very secure and the most compassionate home health care.We believe that patients heal faster and are happiest when they can stay in their homes.”
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