According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 11 million, or 28% of people who are aged 65 and older, now live alone. Lack of contact with others is a serious issue among seniors. If a senior does not have any friends or family in the area, they can feel very disconnected from his or her community. Or sometimes a senior may withdraw into isolation as a result of health conditions, depression, or mental illness.
The fear of falling or anxiety over driving a car can keep a senior isolated in his or her home. As a result of these factors, older adults may be alone for days or sometimes weeks without someone to interact with or watch over them.
Ways You Can Help Protect Seniors from Loneliness:
- Help seniors become more social-media savvy through their use of email, news sites and connections through Facebook.
- Show them how they can listen to their favorite music or browse their favorite store’s website.
- Provide companionship with conversation and activities such as cooking and eating together, reading aloud to the senior, playing card games, scrapbooking, or taking a walk.
- Provide transportation for seniors so they may visit family and friends, go shopping, attend events, and visit outdoor venues such as parks.
- Help a loved one find support or social groups at senior centers, YMCAs, or places of worship.
- Teach seniors how to FaceTime or Skype with their loved ones.
Isolation and loneliness are key signs that a senior lacks the support and tools needed to live a healthy, independent life. All At Home can help by keeping senior clients engaged physically, mentally and emotionally while still living independently at home. If your loved one needs companion care at home, call 904-551-6942 and schedule a consultation with us today.