Seniors, more than any other age group, experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. Loneliness may be caused by a number of factors, including the death of a spouse, children, and grandkids growing up and being too preoccupied with their own life, friends moving away, retirement, poor health and mobility, and financial uncertainty. Loneliness and isolation in older persons may lead to mental health difficulties such as sadness and anxiety, which can jeopardize their physical health. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to make your elderly loved one happy and content.
Find a Place to Meet Other Seniors
It is never too late to make new acquaintances, so try encouraging your loved one to socialize. A senior or community center is an excellent location to begin. If your loved one is physically able, you may also check into local reading groups, gardening clubs, art courses, or sports like golf and tennis. A church, synagogue, or other places of worship is also a good place to start if your loved one is religious. Attend a new social gathering with your loved one for the first time, so they feel at ease. If you can’t make it, ask their home care provider to attend something with them.
Address Any Health Concerns That May Prevent a Senior From Feeling Social
Many elders are unable to drive due to limited movement or eyesight. If this is the situation for a loved one, consider volunteering to offer rides or researching private or public transportation options. If your loved one has mobility limitations that make it difficult for him or her to walk long distances, consider purchasing a walker, cane, or wheelchair for social trips. Some elders struggle with incontinence, which may be uncomfortable in social situations. Consult your loved one’s doctor about fixing the underlying issue, and if that isn’t feasible, get some high-quality undergarments to conceal the problem.
Invite Your Elderly Loved One to Family Fun
Consider encouraging your loved one to accompany you on more family activities, from beach vacations to evenings out at the mall, and urge other family members to do the same. It may need a little more work, particularly if your loved one has restricted mobility or other health difficulties, but it will be well worth it. Your loved one will most likely have a nice time, and you will make memories that will last a lifetime. Bring joy to the housebound elders by hosting a backyard BBQ, a family game, or a movie night. If you can’t pick up your loved one and they can’t drive, give their home care provider a call and ask them for help arranging something.
Encourage In-Person or Online Volunteering
Doing something pleasant for someone else is one of the finest methods to relieve loneliness. If your loved one likes assisting others, look for volunteer opportunities in his or her community. Options may include walking dogs at a local shelter, assisting children at a local school or library, delivering meals to the homebound, or crocheting blankets for newborns in hospitals, depending on your loved one’s interests and talents.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Home Care in Fitchburg, WI please contact the caring staff at Agape Senior Services Madison today. (608) 841-1004
