Senior isolation is a detrimental health risk, affecting the individual physically, emotionally and mentally. Physical symptoms of isolation manifest as an increased risk of high blood pressure; mentally, isolation leads to a greater risk of developing dementia; and, emotionally, isolation results in depression.
Numerous symptoms appear when the elderly experience isolation and loneliness. Dramatic changes in weight and appearance, excessive sleep, lethargy, neglect of personal hygiene and a loss of interest in favorite hobbies are all behaviors that point to isolation or loneliness in seniors.
Increasing social activity is the clear remedy to senior isolation. However, older people have obstacles that prevent them from pursuing social engagement. The reluctancy to drive, being less mobile (with both walking and driving) and losing physical and mental capabilities are common hurdles seniors face.
Fortunately, companion care is a workable solution to the problems associated with being socially isolated and lonely. Professional caregivers are instrumental in warding off the pervasive blues that plague older people. Hiring companion care offers innumerable benefits to seniors’ well-being.
For instance, companion care providers offer transportation and encouragement and fulfill the basic need for human interaction on a daily basis. The services of a companion caregiver help seniors achieve healthy goals for increased social involvement, which ultimately lead to a higher quality of life.
Benefit 1: Provide Reliable Transportation
Seniors who volunteer feel renewed purpose and motivation. As they make a difference in people’s lives, older folks also experience the emotional rewards prompted by generosity and charity. A primary result of volunteering is that the senior has the opportunity to reconnect with the community.
Bridge clubs, knitting clubs and book clubs are also ideal gathering places in which seniors may socialize. Older individuals are surrounded by like-minded peers and have opportunities to exchange ideas, opinions and simply converse about topics that spark their interest.
Reliable transportation to volunteer organizations and clubs is provided by companion caregivers. Safe transport is especially valuable to seniors who are reluctant to drive due to health conditions. By engaging the services of a companion caregiver, seniors can still enjoy the benefits of socializing.
Benefit 2: Encourage Mental Stimulation
Seniors who isolate may discontinue participation in hobbies they once enjoyed. Their isolative tendencies prevent necessary brain stimulation, which leads to progressive cognitive decline. Research suggests a link between social isolation in seniors and an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Pleasant conversation with others, like companion caregivers, is one of the many remedies to social isolation. Caregivers from reputable home care agencies place emphasis on nurturing a bond with their senior care recipients. A trusting relationship forms, reducing the social isolation in the elderly.
Companion caregivers are also trained to mentally stimulate the minds and senses of the seniors in their care. Playing fun card games, helping to assemble puzzles and working on arts and crafts are typical activities caregivers engage in with the elderly to improve memory and create new brain connections.
Benefit 3: Promote Physical Health
Seniors are encouraged to remain physically active throughout their lives in order to maintain peak health. Activities can be simple, such as strolling around the park, or intense, like swimming at the local senior center. Older people should also see their doctors regularly.
Companion caregivers are invaluable when it comes to promoting optimal health in seniors. These dependable professionals transport seniors to physician visits, physical therapy sessions and to the eye doctor. Medication reminders are also a part of companion caregivers’ everyday responsibilities.
Additionally, companion caregivers accompany seniors on walks to promote confidence and stability on uneven neighborhood sidewalks or winding walking trails. When the elderly individual participates in yoga activities at the senior center, companion caregivers ensure they get to exercise classes on time.
Consuming balanced meals is important to fuel the physical body, especially after exercise. Companion caregivers promote proper nutrition by preparing nutrient-rich meals in accordance to the senior’s dietary restrictions, which is vital if the care recipient is unable to cook.
Benefit 4: Assist with Hygiene
Personal hygiene is a necessity when volunteering, going to the senior center or simply staying at home. When isolated, the elderly may neglect personal care duties. Companion caregivers discreetly help seniors bathe, dress and groom on a daily basis, ensuring they present themselves with dignity.
Home maintenance is also key; but isolated seniors may fail with the regular upkeep of their home environment. Companion caregivers assist with light household chores, like laundry and vacuuming. As a result, seniors take comfort in clean and tidy surroundings.
Benefit 5: Offer Emotional Support
Socially isolated men and women over the age of 52 have a high risk of mortality. These seniors are unlikely to receive prompt medical attention when it is most critical, resulting in minor injuries worsening into severe health crises. Due to feeling incapable, they may also start to self-loathe.
Companion caregivers offer invaluable emotional support to seniors in their care. Rather than instilling feelings of inadequacy, the best companion caregivers help their care recipients feel independent. Skilled professionals provide encouragement and support without encroaching on seniors’ feelings of independence.
When any or all of the above benefits of companion care services appeals to the senior in your life, consult Pewaukee’s most trusted elder care provider, Assisting Hands Home Care. We offer comprehensive, non-medical companion care services to seniors of all capabilities.
Assisting Hands Home Care service providers are licensed, insured and fully screened, which gives families and care recipients peace of mind. We aim to provide the best match when sending a potential caregiver to meet the senior and family. Our process ensures a positive caregiver/care recipient relationship.
Our professionals are experienced in helping both seniors and adults with disabilities manage daily life in the comfort of their own home. Consult the most reputable and dependable home care agency in Pewaukee and Brokfield area, Assisting Hands Home Care. Call us at (262) 721-1155 to schedule your in-home consultation at no-cost.
