Spending time with our aging relatives is often neglected, as careers and family obligations occupy most of our days. Sadly, many elderly people are coping with loneliness and want to share their days with someone who is willing to spend time with them. Elderly people living alone will often start a conversation with random people they meet such as grocery store clerks, mail men, or gardeners, anyone who will simply listen.
The effects loneliness has on the elderly include both physical and mental aspects. In many studies performed, the effects included malnutrition, depression, sleep disturbances, fear, and more. The feeling of loneliness can come from lack of socialization or the loss of a loved one. Regardless of the circumstances involved it is of great concern to health care providers. If your senior is feeling lonely, he or she may benefit from home care. A caregiver coming in a few times a week to help with cooking, personal hygiene and errands can be just the company and social connection your senior is looking for.
Recovering From Loneliness
Elderly patients going through extreme loneliness and exhibiting symptoms of depression should be evaluated by a physician to rule out any health conditions. Depression is a treatable condition, as physicians may prescribe medications and counseling to assist patients with symptoms. Loneliness requires a team of compassionate people, who are willing to spend time with elderly patients. Family members who are involved with their elderly relatives may encourage visits and outings to assist with combating loneliness. Elderly people who have no family to assist can get involved in community programs offering social events, and many programs are designed to give seniors interaction with other seniors in a group setting.
Get Involved
Community senior centers offer seniors opportunities to get involved in social activities. Look into the local clubs and events going on in your area to find something that your elderly loved one may be interested in doing. Churches offer many programs in a religious setting, counseling, and classes to meet the specific needs of elderly members.
Volunteer programs: many hospitals, nursing homes, veterinarian clinics and animal shelters offer opportunities to volunteer. Volunteering is an excellent way to serve others and meet new people. When your senior volunteers, they can meet others who share their interests, for example, pet lovers volunteering at an animal shelter will promote opportunities to meet other pet lovers.
Loneliness can be overcome by getting involved and getting busy. Helping your senior relative to stay busy can be hard sometimes, but with help from a caregiver and some community senior activities, you can do it.
For more information about how the caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare can help your aging parents get to their annual appointments, call 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregivers in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
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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