Many seniors live alone because their children have moved on and their spouses have passed away. In addition, most are retired, and their friends from their younger days have usually moved on to new lives. Loneliness can cause your elderly loved one’s health to decrease, so there’s no time like the present to help him or her rediscover a social life. Here are a few ways to help your loved one stay connected with others and feel less alone.
1. Help Them Start New Hobbies
If your loved one has always wanted to take up a new hobby, now is the time. Crafting, sewing, gardening, painting, and playing a musical instrument are a few options. Not only can these activities keep your loved one’s mind sharp, but they can also connect him or her to a whole new group of social contacts. Book clubs, garden clubs, and even art lessons can help your loved one meet like-minded people with common interests.
If your loved one needs transportation to hobby club meetings and other social events, a home caregiver can be a wonderful asset. Home care Pearland experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
2. Encourage Volunteering with Local Organizations
Seniors who are socially isolated may also feel like they’ve lost their sense of purpose. Volunteering is an excellent way to combat both issues. Check with local hospitals, animal shelters, homeless shelters, and charities to see if they offer activities your loved one can volunteer for. Your parent might enjoy interacting with the public on a regular basis while helping others.
3. Assist Them with Adopting Pets
Many seniors cannot leave the house at will because they have limited mobility or are unable to drive. Their children and grandchildren cannot visit as often as they would like, and living alone could lead to depression and other health issues. Housebound seniors should consider adopting pets. A dog or cat in a home can offer health benefits such as lowered blood pressure and reduced feelings of loneliness. When adopting a pet, make sure your loved one is able to feed and walk it as needed.
4. Promote Connecting with Others Online
Social media isn’t just for young people. Adults of all ages are joining Facebook and other online sites to reconnect with old friends, keep up with their communities, and interact with family members, many of whom live far away. If your loved one is lonely, consider teaching him or her the ins and outs of online interactions, including internet safety.
For families living in Pearland, at-home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
5. Create Appreciation Lists for What They Do
As seniors continue to age, they’ll likely experience many negative things, from decreasing health to the loss of friends and loved ones. As a result, it becomes easier for them to dwell on the things that have gone wrong instead of focusing on the positives in life. You can help your loved one feel less alone by creating a list of all the ways he or she brightens your life and the lives of others every day. Reading your appreciation list could make your loved one feel more connected to other people and grateful for the things he or she still has.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional in-home care, Pearland Assisting Hands Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years. Call one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (281) 809-7342 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
