Preventing loneliness in seniors with companion care and more

Seniors are at greater risk of being socially isolated due to the loss of their spouse, friends, and close family members. In fact, almost one-quarter of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated, according to the CDC.

Loneliness and social isolation aren’t just detrimental to emotional health. Isolated seniors may face premature death and dementia. They may also lack the ability to call for help in the event of an emergency.

At Miami Valley Homecare, we frequently recommend companion care services for families who have an at-risk elderly loved one. In this article, we’re exploring how you can prevent loneliness in seniors with companion care and other methods.

Hire a companion care aide

“Companion care” refers to non-medical services that are provided to seniors or people with disabilities. There is some overlap between companion care and personal care. With personal care, aides also provide bathing and dressing assistance, medication management, and similar services.

As the name suggests, the goal of companion care is to provide companionship. This means that your elderly loved one can get the emotional support and socialization they need, even if they live alone.

At Miami Valley Homecare, these are some of the services that our companion care aides provide:

• Meal preparation
• Shopping and running daily errands
• Light housekeeping and laundry
• Stand-by bathing assistance
• Conversation and socialization
• Help with hobbies and crafts
• Transportation to appointments
• Fall detection

With companion care services, not only will your loved one have a familiar face to socialize with, but they’ll always have someone to look after them when you can’t be there. For instance, if your elderly family member suffers a fall, our aides will ensure they get the medical treatment they need.

Encourage group dining

Some seniors have faced isolation and loneliness for quite some time. As a result, they may feel reluctant to get back out there and socialize. You can encourage them by starting out with group dining. Consider inviting them to eat with your family once a week, and then suggest that they share a meal with someone else they know.

Churches and community centers often hold lunch and dinner get-togethers. Once they’re ready to take the next step, these events are perfect for seniors who want to join a new social group and create connections with other people.

Help them discover a new hobby

Participating in a hobby is a great way for anyone to meet new friends, regardless of age. Perhaps your elderly loved one used to enjoy painting, or they’ve always wanted to get into photography. You can support them by finding relevant meet-up groups in their area, and by providing transportation to the events, if needed.

Hobbies are great for keeping seniors cognitively stimulated, happy, and healthy. Volunteering is another good option for helping seniors maintain a sense of purpose and rebuild their self-confidence.

Keep the neighbors informed

Isolated seniors may be targets of scams and exploitation. If they have underlying dementia, they may also be at risk of wandering off or making unsafe decisions.

It’s always a good idea to keep your neighbors in the loop if your elderly loved one lives alone. Trusted neighbors can check in on your family member, socialize with them, and keep an eye out for their safety.

Explore companion care services in Dayton, OH

Miami Valley Homecare provides companion care services in Dayton, OH, and surrounding communities, including Centerville, Kettering, Xenia, Beavercreek, Fairborn, and Oakwood.

Our compassionate aides look forward to meeting you and your family. Contact us today to learn how our companion care services can give you peace of mind.