Combating Loneliness in the Elderly
Health Care Service
As relatives (sons, daughters, spouses, grandchildren, cousins, nephews, nieces) of the elderly, we want to be able to devote our time to taking care of them and lending a helping hand whenever we can. However, since our own work and lives demand attention as well, we cannot always be there for them. For some elderly, a lack of interaction can make them feel alone and forgotten.
Studies have recently shown that millions of elderly admit to feeling lonely. Some admit to being lonely despite living with someone or having in-home care, saying that they are isolated even though there is someone else in the home. Loneliness has been attributed to an overall increase in depression, along with other mental and health problems.
When looking for the right in-home caregiver for a senior, it is important to make sure that there is a “rightness of fit” and that they can help solve this loneliness problem. A matched caregiver should be able to keep the patient company and make them realize that they are not alone. The right caregiver will be warm, affectionate, and amiable, engaging the elderly in discussion and activities so that they have something to do. You do not want just a caregiver for them, but also a friend to take care of them when you are not around. Look for these traits and qualities when you interview a caregiver candidate.
Socially engaging with others has shown to reduce depression among the elderly and improve overall health. They feel much happier, tend to have less mood swings, and their minds are to stay more cognizant. They have fewer worries, are more confident, have a better outlook on life, and are more able to face issues head on rather than being apathetic and uncaring. This is especially important when dealing with illnesses; a patient who does not care about getting better will ultimately develop more problems and complications instead of healing.
There are many other ways to help someone not feel so lonely. The following are just a few examples:
Helping them get together with friends and family on a regular basis will certainly make them feel better, as well as getting them involved in activities that include others and require interaction, such as adult daycare.
Studies have shown that pets are the perfect companions for the elderly and can help improve mood, health, and life. Getting a dog or a cat can make the difference.
Engage online. Not being near family members or friends does not mean they cannot communicate with them. Video chats and messaging are great ways to help the elderly communicate with those in their lives.
Loneliness is never a good feeling, and it is important for family to take the right steps and ensure that they are interacting with people in their lives. Companionship and interaction are sometimes even more important than the medicine they take.
About the Author
HelpFindCare gives caregivers and those who need care the tools to manage their in home care online. Caregivers and nurses can use the website to search for caregiving jobs, set their wages, post their weekly availability, receive weekly payment, and build their resume and portfolio with real experience. Care seekers, or family members looking for someone to help care for their parents or loved ones, can use the website to search for qualified nurses and caregivers, post jobs that outline their specific care needs, monitor their caregivers’ schedules, and make payment online and receive personal support, local support from the Help Find Care team of Nurse Care-Pair Managers.
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