Isolation is a significant issue for older adults, but family caregivers can keep their senior loved ones engaged and feeling valued. Staying active can boost your loved one’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Below are ways to help an aging relative feel less alone.
Visit More Often
Plan at least one or two weekly visits to your loved one’s home, and make sure you focus on him or her instead of doing other things that don’t include your parent. For example, don’t go to your parent’s house and spend the visit watching television or scrolling through social media on your smartphone. Giving your loved one the attention and time he or she deserves is the essential reason for the visit. You can plan a nice dinner and invite your parent to talk about events from the past. You can also enjoy quality time with your loved one as you go through photo albums, have sing-alongs and game nights, work on arts and crafts, and so much more.
Consider hiring a professional caregiver if your loved one needs assistance with daily activities and keeping loneliness at bay. 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. Home Care Assistance is a leading home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Help Your Loved One Adopt a Pet
Caring for others is a great way to give seniors a sense of purpose and companionship, which is why you should consider helping your loved one adopt a pet. The animal should be easy to care for. The objective is to make the new role as fun and stress-free as possible. Your parent may feel less alone and more important when taking care of a beloved pet. He or she can plan outings to the park with the dog or cat and form friendships with other pet owners that lead to social invitations or play dates for the animals.
Encourage Volunteering
Volunteering is a great option that allows seniors to interact with other people and form lasting relationships that extend outside volunteering-related activities. Your loved one can volunteer at a church, hospital, school, or library. Being around other volunteers allows seniors to talk about favorite topics and keep their brains engaged. Your loved one may look forward to these volunteer outings each week, which can stave off isolation, stress, and depression.
If your loved one needs assistance with transportation to participate in volunteering opportunities or social activities, a professional caregiver can be a wonderful resource. Montgomery 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.
Pick Up the Phone & Call
Merely calling and checking on your loved one could be just what he or she needs to feel valued and less alone. Try to call every day if possible, especially if you live far away or work long hours that prevent you from visiting as often as you would like. Hearing your voice could bring a smile to your loved one’s face, and interacting with you and the grandchildren via telephone could make your parent feel appreciated and loved. It would also be a good idea to communicate via video chat, which allows your loved one to see your face in real time.
For families living in Montgomery, 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 Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at (334) 593-3988 today.