Why Your Parent Needs to Socialize
Older adults are at risk for becoming socially isolated because of many things that can occur with age. They may gradually lose their ability to get around as well as they used to because of a medical condition. Or, they could end up living alone because of the death of a spouse. Many older adults also lose the ability to drive, making it even harder for them to go places.
Elder Care Ventura CA – Why Your Parent Needs to Socialize
According to research conducted by AARP, one out of five people aged 65 and older are socially isolated. Social isolation can have a negative impact on physical and emotional health. The problem is so serious that it is considered a public health crisis.
Seniors who are socially isolated are at higher risk for:
- High blood pressure.
- Flu.
- Early onset of dementia.
In addition, they often have higher medical bills because of more illness. In one study, researchers found that people who were socially isolated had an average of $1,600 in Medicare claims per year.
The good news is that there are many ways you can prevent social isolation in your elderly parent even if they do live alone.
Below are some ways you can keep them from being lonely.
- Recognize the Signs of Social Isolation
- It’s important that you know how to spot the signs that your parent is socially isolated, such as:
- Feeling bored.
- Seeming to be generally disinterested and withdrawing from normal activities.
- Lack of attention to personal hygiene.
- Not eating enough or not eating nutritious food.
- A home that appears cluttered or in a state of disrepair.
- Hoarding.
Visit and Encourage Others to Visit
Spend time with your parent as often as you can. Call them, too. Talk to friends and family members about your worries that your parent is lonely. Ask them to visit as well. If possible, talk to some of your parent’s neighbors and ask them to check in on your parent periodically.
Address Vision and Hearing Problems
Vision and hearing problems can make communicating with others difficult. As a result, your parent may avoid socializing with others. They may be embarrassed because they can’t follow the conversation or see what is going on around them. Make sure your parent regularly has their vision and hearing checked. If they need new glasses or hearing aids, help them to get what they need.
Hire Elder Care
Having an elder care provider who comes to your parent’s home daily or a few times per week gives your parent someone to interact with. In addition, an elder care provider can offer transportation so they can get out of the house. Elder care providers can take them to see friends, go to their place of worship, run errands, or attend events.
Sources: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2018/social-isolation-symptoms-danger.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/howardgleckman/2017/11/29/the-risks-of-social-isolation-for-older-adults/#3489978515d3
If you or an aging loved-one are considering Elder Care Services in Ventura CA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hearts Home Care today. Proudly Serving the Los Angeles & Ventura County. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! (805) 371-0033, (818) 593-0094, (310) 230-5601.
Our team is comprised of highly experienced and dedicated professionals who are focused on providing exceptional in-home care services to our clients and their families.We are proud to have served thousands of individuals and families since our inception.
Assisting Hearts Home Care was established in 2008 by two professionals a husband and wife team who started the company after personally experiencing the challenges of caring for their aging parents and grandparents. They experienced first-hand at how difficult it was to find care that worked around your schedule and not the schedule of the agency with caring and dedicated caregivers. Since January 2008 Assisting Hearts Home Care has been owned and operated by Robert Ruetschle.Prior to opening Assisting Hearts Home Care, Robert was in upper management of a national pharmaceutical manufacturing company and he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. Robert is passionate about supporting our older adult community and helping individuals age with dignity and grace in their own homes.
It is our mission to give peace of mind to our clients and their families by providing exceptional care.Our caregivers are also supported by an office staff of Senior Advisors and advanced CNA’s.Our team looks forward to getting to know each client and family personally.
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