Studies continue to show loneliness and depression in the elderly can increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, but sometimes these emotions can be overcome with a little work and perseverance. If your elderly loved one is facing loneliness and depression, here are some activities that may help him or her conquer those feelings.
Volunteering
Finding a sense of purpose in a group setting can be one of the best ways to combat loneliness. There are several organizations dedicated to providing seniors with volunteer opportunities that can be carried out despite any mobility challenges they may have.
If your loved one needs transportation to volunteer organizations or social events, a home caregiver can be a great source of support. Senior care 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.
Pets
Having pets to care for is a fantastic way for older adults to stave off loneliness. Caring for a pet can keep your loved one engaged with daily life while providing opportunities to meet new people. For instance, while walking his or her dog, your parent might meet other dog lovers at the local park, form friendships with them, and get together for other types of social outings. Having a pet to love can give your loved one a feeling of security and the motivation to use his or her free time in constructive ways.
Group Hobbies
Through group hobbies, your loved one can create goals with like-minded individuals and meet with them regularly to achieve those goals. For seniors who are more active, group hobbies such as gardening, taking evening walks, and enjoying water aerobics can be excellent options.
Romantic Relationships
A person is never too old to fall in love, and there are many social events and Internet dating services geared specifically toward seniors. If your loved one is comfortable with the idea, encourage him or her to seek out a special someone to share time with. Simply being around those we love can boost serotonin levels and increase happiness.
Regular Visits with Family Members & Friends
Visiting your loved one gives you the chance to see what’s going on with him or her and stave off loneliness. Since seniors with many friends and family members have more people available for visits, defeating loneliness can become a group endeavor. Creating a flexible schedule for visitors can ensure your loved one has constant social interaction with those he or she enjoys spending time with. Thanks to modern technology, your loved one can speak with family members and friends in other cities and states as often as he or she would like. If your loved one needs assistance with daily activities and keeping loneliness at bay, consider hiring a professional caregiver.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Ambience In-Home Care is a leading elderly care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Vision & Hearing Tests
Untreated vision or hearing problems can make your loved one feel embarrassed in social situations, which may lead him or her to self-isolate. Isolation is a primary cause of loneliness and depression, so it’s important for your loved one to have hearing and vision exams at least once every year to catch these issues as early as possible and find solutions, such as eyeglasses or hearing aids.
For families living in garland respite 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 Ambience In-Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. Call Ambience In-Home Care today at (469) 573-4213 to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.