Senior isolation is a serious issue that can result in many detrimental physical and mental problems. It can lead to obesity, cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, etc. Seniors are at risk of isolation due to many different reasons. Some of these include the death of a spouse, family and friends moving away, chronic illness, lack of transportation, etc.
Strategies For Combating Senior Isolation:
Help them to implement assistive technologies. Things such as hearing aids, walkers or scooters are great ways for seniors to feel less lonely. Although they might, at first, be reluctant to take part (because they believe it makes them look and feel old), once they start utilizing these technologies they will enjoy the freedom they bring.
Give them a pet. A couple of things need to be in place before a senior receives a pet. First, does their living environment allow pets? And second, is the senior able to care for a pet (mentally, physically, financially). Caring for a pet, whether it’s a small dog or a fish, will lead to them feeling less isolated and also promote a sense of purpose.
Encourage them to go to religious studies or places of worship. Seniors who frequently attend church lead more socialized, less isolated lives. Churches often hold other types of events like bake sales and retreats which also foster socialization.
Help them get the transportation they need. Realistically, one single person can’t provide all of the transportation requirements a senior might have, that’s why it’s important to help them figure out the bus route, or make sure the number of a reliable taxi service is readily available. Friends and family members can also help out with transportation.
Talk about incontinence. Many seniors suffer from incontinence. It might just be the one thing that is stopping them from joining the world and becoming less isolated. Help them discover how they can address incontinence, whether it’s talking to their doctor about medication, or helping them understand products that are available.
Do you live in the Raleigh area? Are you a senior interested in learning about home health in Garner, or Raleigh assisted living? Contact the Always Best Care Raleigh location today at 919-724-4297 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to talking with you about your many options for a bright future!
Strategies For Combating Senior Isolation:
Help them to implement assistive technologies. Things such as hearing aids, walkers or scooters are great ways for seniors to feel less lonely. Although they might, at first, be reluctant to take part (because they believe it makes them look and feel old), once they start utilizing these technologies they will enjoy the freedom they bring.
Give them a pet. A couple of things need to be in place before a senior receives a pet. First, does their living environment allow pets? And second, is the senior able to care for a pet (mentally, physically, financially). Caring for a pet, whether it’s a small dog or a fish, will lead to them feeling less isolated and also promote a sense of purpose.
Encourage them to go to religious studies or places of worship. Seniors who frequently attend church lead more socialized, less isolated lives. Churches often hold other types of events like bake sales and retreats which also foster socialization.
Help them get the transportation they need. Realistically, one single person can’t provide all of the transportation requirements a senior might have, that’s why it’s important to help them figure out the bus route, or make sure the number of a reliable taxi service is readily available. Friends and family members can also help out with transportation.
Talk about incontinence. Many seniors suffer from incontinence. It might just be the one thing that is stopping them from joining the world and becoming less isolated. Help them discover how they can address incontinence, whether it’s talking to their doctor about medication, or helping them understand products that are available.
Do you live in the Raleigh area? Are you a senior interested in learning about home health in Garner, or Raleigh assisted living? Contact the Always Best Care Raleigh location today at 919-724-4297 to set up a free care consultation. They look forward to talking with you about your many options for a bright future!
