Everyone needs some level of companionship and socialization to maintain their physical and mental health. However, as adults age, they may become more isolated, have fewer friends, and have a reduced ability to get out in the world and meet new people.
Older adults are at a higher risk of loneliness, and that loneliness and isolation can contribute to physical and mental health problems that affect their quality of life. If you are concerned about an aging loved one’s need for companionship, consider hiring an in-home caregiver or making an effort to find social activities or engagement opportunities for your loved one.
How Seniors Become Isolated
Older adults can become lonely or isolated due to a variety of factors. One of the most common reasons is reduced mobility. Elderly people may have trouble walking and may lose their driver’s license or be unable to navigate public transportation.
It can be harder to visit friends and family or take part in activities they once enjoyed. Their friends may move away or pass away, and they may not have family nearby to rely on. They may also develop memory problems or cognitive decline, which can make it harder for them to connect with friends even if they do live nearby.
The Dangers of Isolation for Senior Health
Loneliness and isolation is linked to a wide variety of physical and mental health problems for seniors. Social isolation and loneliness can affect your senior loved one’s physical health by increasing their risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke. Lack of socialization and isolation from their community can also affect their mental health, increasing their risk of depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and suicidal ideation. Lack of companionship can also cause functional decline and contribute to your loved one’s inability to get around or live alone safely.
Recognizing Signs Your Loved One Is Isolated or Lonely
If you’re aware of the warning signs of loneliness and isolation, you can make an effort to spend more time with your loved one or find ways to get them the companionship and social engagement they need to stay happy and healthy. Some of the most common signs of isolation or loneliness in elderly adults are:
- Frequent talk of death, mortality, and illness
- Increased physical distance between family members and friends
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Fatigue or lack of energy or motivation
- Sleep problems or restlessness
- Decline in physical hygiene
- Messy home or decreased interest in housekeeping
- Increase in complaints of aches and pains, headaches, migraines, fatigue, and other unexplained ailments
- Neglect of pets, houseplants, or garden
- Mood swings or changes in behavior
- Increased focus on negative thought patterns and behaviors
- Disinterest in talking about the future or making plans
Talking to Your Loved One About Companionship
Bringing up your loved one’s physical or mental health can be scary, but it’s important to have straightforward conversations in which you discuss your concerns and present solutions. Involve your loved one in the process so that they don’t feel powerless. If you can talk to your loved one about their need for companionship, they will feel involved in the process and more receptive to the idea of finding a caregiver or participating in community activities with their peers.
You should not approach the conversation by making demands or giving your loved one an ultimatum. That will put pressure on your loved one and may make them resist your solutions. Instead, try to broach the conversation about their physical and mental health tactfully in a way that validates their autonomy and gives them some control over the outcome.
Frame the conversation as a brainstorming session during which you work together to find solutions, rather than one in which you sound accusatory or challenging. Ask your loved one how you can support them, what their fears and concerns are, and how their life has changed over the past few years. You can use their answers as the framework for making suggestions that will help them stay active and engaged in their life.
How Senior Companionship Improves Quality of Life
The brain needs regular stimulation and activity and will decline without it. Finding ways to keep your loved one engaged, interested, and curious will offer regular stimulation for their mind and help them avoid cognitive decline and physical and mental health issues. Finding a senior care specialist, in-home caregiver, or community activities for your senior loved one can improve their quality of life by enhancing their health and wellness.
Benefits of Companionship for Seniors
Socialization and companionship can give your loved one a stronger sense of connection to their life and community, which can give them a greater sense of purpose and a reason to get out of bed each day. Giving your loved one the chance for companionship can also boost their immune system and improve their overall health. The benefits of companionship for seniors are:
- Reduced risk of isolation, loneliness, and depression
- Reduced anxiety
- A greater sense of security and independence
- Ability to express emotions
- Added support during difficult times
- Lower chance of health issues like heart problems, obesity, and stroke
- Reduced risk of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
- Improved cognitive health and mental stimulation
- Confidence to learn new tasks and take part in new hobbies
- More chances for physical activity, which improves overall health
Finding In-Home Care or Companionship for Your Loved One
In-home caregivers and companions are professionals who specialize in caring for seniors and the elderly. They typically provide services in the comfort of the senior’s own home, and may also provide transportation to community activities and events.
When hiring a senior companion or in-home care agency, it’s important to find one who provides tailored services that are customized to your loved one’s needs, abilities, and interests. Some in-home caregivers can help your loved one with the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming and personal hygiene, and meal preparation.
Others may help with housework, grocery shopping, medication management, and transportation to medical appointments. Some may provide Alzheimer’s care or memory care services. Ask your loved one’s physician, a social worker, or your community council on aging to refer you to a quality in-home caregiver or senior companion.
Schedule a Consultation for In-Home Care Services in Arizona
At Placita In Home Care, we specialize in providing high quality, compassionate in-home care services for families throughout Southern Arizona. Our caregivers are experts in senior health and care, and find engaging and interesting ways to offer mental and physical stimulation for your loved one.
We are dedicated to improving the quality of life of seniors in our community and maintaining their physical and mental health and safety in their homes. We also offer complimentary home safety evaluations and assisted living placement services. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a consultation for in-home care services.