Understanding Senior Loneliness And The Benefits Of Home Care Services

Loneliness can affect people in most any stage of life, but your elderly family members are at the greatest risk. Even if your loved one lives at home with you, he or she may still feel alone. Sometimes, the feeling of isolation can lead to psychological problems and physical illnesses. Understanding the most common causes of loneliness in elderly individuals can help you combat it with your loved ones.

Common Causes of Loneliness

Elderly family members can struggle with loneliness for many reasons. Sometimes, they avoid interactions with people because they are afraid to seek care for specific conditions. Other people may feel ignored by their family members. Hearing loss can add to this feeling of isolation because it limits communication.

As family members get older, illnesses that occur can hinder mobility. As your loved one's social circle shrinks and immediate needs become the essential considerations, it can lead to feelings of depression and abandonment.

How to Help Loved Ones Combat Loneliness

Senior family members can be protected from feeling so alone by providing them with home care services in addition to family support. An in-home caregiver will be able to provide additional interaction and necessary medical and emotional support for your loved one.

Home care services can also help your loved one to remain in his or her own home much longer than may otherwise be reasonable. Staying in a comfortable, familiar environment is important at this stage of life, particularly when that home is in a neighborhood that has become central to your loved one's daily life.

You'll also need to encourage your family member to remain as active and involved as possible. Sometimes, seniors find themselves feeling isolated and alone because they stop taking part in social events. Consider activities like afternoon park excursions, book clubs or other events that will keep your family member socially active.

Any time you have an aging family member who is struggling with health care, daily care tasks and some isolation, deciding how to proceed can be difficult. If you have the room, you can always move your loved one in with you, which will help to ensure that he or she has company and support. But, if your family member prefers independence or you can't be there all the time, you may still want to secure a home care service to ensure that there's always someone there when needed. A visiting care provider not only offers routine health care and basic needs, but also important interactions that can help to combat loneliness and its negative effects.