Aging brings with it many changes—no less than loneliness and isolation being some of its effects. But isolation doesn’t necessarily mean loneliness. According to a study from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), 43% of all seniors surveyed reported that they felt lonely, although only 18% of those seniors lived alone.
This points to a need for someone to not only be present but also for that someone to make their presence felt.
This is even more important to consider seeing that loneliness increases the likelihood of mortality by 26 percent as well as several health risks for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer’s disease.
As your trusted home care in Wilmington, Delaware, we at Greater Works Companion Care, LLC. want to help you with making your senior loved one feel less lonely. Here are a few tips:
- Make them feel included
Whether by asking for their advice or a recipe, to letting them lead the giving of thanks before a meal, including them in little activities will make them. - Hire a personal care service provider
A care professional can assist them in completing their personal care routines such as grooming, dressing, bathing, skin and hair care, and oral care. - Enlist the help of a provider of companion care in Delaware
A caregiver especially trained to be a companion can accompany and assist them with their day-to-day activities, engage them with thoughtful conversations, and keep them safe.