One of the biggest issues seniors face is loneliness. Many older adults have retired from the workforce, watched their kids leave the nest, or lost friends, and they don’t have the social networks they once did. Mobility issues, the inability to drive, health conditions, and fixed incomes can also play a role in isolation. Disconnection from the world can lead to depression and other issues, but there are a few things you can do to bring some cheer to your senior loved one’s life.
Send an Invitation to Come Along
If you’re throwing a backyard barbecue or taking your family to the movies, invite your loved one to come along. Your parent may turn down the offer initially, but keep the invitations coming. If your loved one accepts the invitation, make sure he or she feels comfortable and enjoys the time spent with you.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to boost a senior’s emotional health. Homecare services agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. Our caregivers encourage seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.
Talk about the Past
Many seniors want to relive their younger days. Consider going through old pictures or playing old movies on a projector. Playing music from your loved one’s younger days may evoke great memories. If possible, take your loved one to visit an old home or city where he or she used to live.
Teach about Technology to Maintain Social Connections
Many seniors are becoming adept at using technology nowadays. With the help of a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, your loved one can learn to use social media and reconnect with old friends or even make some new ones. Single seniors may be interested in joining a dating site for older adults. Make sure to teach your loved one about online safety as well, as seniors are often targeted by scammers and other criminals.
Share a Meal
The next time you put together a home-cooked meal, consider doing it at your loved one’s house or inviting him or her to your home for lunch or dinner. If you or your family is going out to eat, invite your loved one to come along. You might even consider arranging a special lunch date for a group of family members, friends, or neighbors and include your loved one. Provide transportation if necessary. Sharing a meal is one of the best ways to cheer people up, and your loved one is sure to have a good time at family get-togethers.
By receiving regular social stimulation, older adults can boost their brain health, prevent loneliness, and delay the onset of cognitive decline. For families living in Las Vegas, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Get a Pet
Having a dog, cat, or other animal in the home can bring joy to the lives of lonely seniors. Make sure the animal matches your loved one’s level of ability to take care of it. For example, a dog needs either a yard with a fence or someone who is able to walk it regularly. Keeping a cat often involves picking up and changing a heavy litter box.
Older adults who want to age in the comfort of home are often susceptible to loneliness and isolation. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading Las Vegas elderly home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks. If you need professional home care for your aging loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Las Vegas today.
