In-home care services help reduce isolation and loneliness in the elderly.
Loneliness. Fear. Isolation. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on us all in one way or another, but for the elderly especially, the seclusion required to ensure safety from COVID-19 has had adverse effects on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Home With You Senior Care shares the steps we can take to reduce isolation and loneliness in the elderly, while at the same time help preserve the social connections which are so vital to senior health.
- Safe socialization. While we’ve become used to the phrase “social distancing,” it is not the socialization itself we must distance ourselves from, of course, but only the physical proximity to others. Remaining socially connected through the pandemic may well not look the same as we’d like without physical touch, but there are plenty of ways an in-home caregiver can help encourage older adults to still be near to those they love. Whether a senior prefers old-fashioned letter writing and phone calls, or is open making use of social media or technology for virtual face-to-face conversations, we are able to help older adults get in touch with others often.
- Making the most of time with trusted companions. For older adults who live alone, spending quality time with an in-home caregiver can help tremendously with easing feelings of isolation. We take time to play board games, have conversations, bake, do arts and crafts together, maybe even take an online course together to learn a new language or another skill.
- Limiting exposure to the news. While it is necessary to stay up to date regarding the latest information about the pandemic along with other news items of concern, too much time spent reading or watching the news is bound to raise a senior’s anxiety and stress levels. Our caregivers encourage older adults to set practical goals related to news intake: perhaps one 30-minute news program each morning, and another at dinnertime, and fill the rest of the day with positive TV shows, reading materials, and other engaging activities.
- Practicing positivity. Considering all of the “what ifs” can be overwhelming. We help older adults shift their thinking to a more positive mindset and internal dialogue through mindfulness, prayer, gratitude, guided yoga or meditation, and even through encouraging seniors to talk with a particular family member or friend who has a way of constantly looking on the bright side.
- Enjoying nature. Being outdoors in and of itself minimizes stress; our caregivers safely help older adults enjoy walks as well as other types of physical exercise for an extra calming effect. We are also careful to strictly follow safety guidelines – staying apart from others, wearing a face covering, etc.
- Helping somebody else. There is no better elixir to feeling down than helping somebody else up. Even when remaining at home, there are a number of ways seniors can impact the lives of others. Together, we can brainstorm ideas related to an older adult’s particular passions and interests; for instance, writing and mailing cards of encouragement to nursing home residents, assembling care packages for disabled or homeless veterans, making baby blankets for an area organization that helps single mothers, or baking homemade dog treats to send to the animal shelter.
Let Home With You Senior Care’s professional, compassionate caregivers assist the older adults you love in overcoming loneliness and isolation. We adhere to all recommended procedures to safely take care of seniors in the home, and love bringing smiles to the faces of individuals we serve. Reach out to us online or give us a call at 410-756-0959 to learn more about our home care agency in Howard County and our services throughout the surrounding communities. To learn more about all of the communities we serve, please visit our Locations Served page.