Loneliness is a huge problem for older adults because it doesn’t stop there. It can quickly grow to depression and even isolation. Finding solutions for your elderly family member’s loneliness needs to be a priority because you can head off so many other problems by solving the smaller version.
Help Her to Determine What Types of Socialization She Wants
What types of socialization does your senior need and want? When you understand that, you’ve got a better idea how you can help her to meet her needs. If she’s in a situation where she’s suddenly housebound, that might require working with friends and family to figure out when they can visit her. There could be other situations, though, like having friends move farther away, that might mean your senior needs to branch out a bit more.
Reduce Communication Barriers
Barriers to communication can also create socialization barriers. If your elderly family member can’t hear well, then it’s going to be more difficult for her to communicate with anyone that she’s trying to interact with on a regular basis. Using hearing aids or determining that her hearing is actually diminished are two ways that you can help her to work through those barriers.
Help Your Senior to Improve Mobility if That’s Holding Her Back
If mobility issues are what’s holding your senior back, it might be time to start using assistive devices. This can feel cumbersome at first, so occupational or physical therapy may be in order. Both of these types of therapy can help your elderly family member learn how to use these tools efficiently. When your senior has better mobility, she may feel better able to be out and about in the ways that she’s used to.
Consider Bringing in Elderly Care Providers
Elderly care providers are another option for working through your senior’s socialization concerns. Your elderly family member may not be able to get out as much as she wants to, but having elderly care providers there with her gives her companionship when she needs it. They can also help her with anything else that has become more difficult for her to handle on her own and ensure that she’s eating meals regularly.
Your elderly family member may need or want a mixture of these solutions, along with others. Talk to her about what’s contributing to her feelings of loneliness and ask her what she feels might help.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Care in St. Petersburg, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
