It may come as no surprise that many seniors living alone often experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression, which can greatly affect a senior’s health and wellbeing. Fortunately, loneliness can be overcome but it does takes some initiative. If you provide home care in Villa Rica, GA for a senior loved one or are simply concerned about his or her wellness, here are a few key tips and strategies you can use to help your elderly loved one fight senior loneliness.
Help Seniors Find a Sense of Purpose
While most of us look forward to retirement, plenty of seniors will admit that keeping busy and finding purpose in the golden years can be quite challenging. When we no longer have kids at home or a job to go to each day, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of purpose and a reason to get up each day. Encourage your loved one to rediscover a past hobby or passion, take a class or two at the local community college or senior center, volunteer for a cause he or she holds close or even visit a nearby animal shelter and adopt a pet also in need of companionship.
Make Transportation Readily Available
One of the biggest contributing factors to social isolation and elderly loneliness is the inability to travel independently whether to and from the grocery store, to church or to visit with family and friends. Research local senior transportation programs, many of which are free or charge a nominal fee, or consider a part-time in-home Keygiver, a specialty trained caregiver at Keyline Home Care Solutions, who can regularly provide transportation and assist with errands among other things.
Communicate Regularly and Visit Often
Although they may not come right out and ask, but chances are your elderly friend or family member would greatly love if you spend more time with him or her. Make a point to regularly take your senior loved one or family member out to eat, to a movie or spend an afternoon playing games. You could bring over his or her favorite breakfast items once a week or simply show up and enjoy a cup of tea and a long chat. If distance or your schedule makes face to face visits challenging, set a weekly Skype date or phone call with your loved one.
