Social isolation is a reality for many seniors: less mobility, the death or chronic illness of a spouse, fewer friends, and perhaps even the need to move to a more accessible home; seniors run the risk of losing the human contact that is so important. 

If you’re thinking this is just about avoiding a case of the blues, think again! Isolation and loneliness are significant, even exacerbating dementia and leading to premature death, due in part because loneliness contributes to stress for seniors.

For seniors who live in their own home, particularly if they are caring for a chronically ill spouse or are recently widowed, the loneliness can go unchecked and unnoticed for some time. In some cases, that can lead to depression. 

Health effects of loneliness

Aside from the possibility of depression, there are host of other problems that can result from the stress of loneliness and social isolation:

  • Anxiety
  • Significant cognitive decline
  • Loss of appetite/lack of interest in eating
  • Sleep difficulties
  • An increased risk of falling 
  • Higher blood pressure

If you have a family member living on their own or acting as a caregiver, it’s a good idea to check on them regularly.

Look for signs of loneliness and depression

Does your parent refuse to go out and socialize the way they used to? Do they seem to have lost all of their friends? Are they showing less interest in the activities and hobbies they used to enjoy? Is the house messy, or are they not paying attention to their own personal hygiene? These can all be indicators that your parent or family member is feeling the effects of social isolation. 

Make sure all medical issues are dealt with

A clean bill of health, a vision check, and a hearing test will all go a long way to ensuring that, whatever else might be going on with them, they aren’t being inhibited by any medical issues. Suddenly losing hearing can create a sense of isolation, in that conversations and loud environments are unpleasant for them. Their withdrawal from their usual social activities might be directly related to their inability to see or hear as well as they did before.

Respite care for caregivers

One of the most isolating situations seniors can find themselves in is when their spouse has a chronic care issue, like dementia. They are unable to leave the house and, as time goes by, fewer people visit. That can leave the reasonably able-bodied partner on the fast track to loneliness and depression. Offering them the opportunity to leverage specialized respite care for Alzheimer’s or dementia patients, or just standard in-home care, so that they can get out and see some friends for a few hours is a wonderful gift and can go a long way to help them combat the stress that comes with caregiving.

Find social groups 

It gets harder and harder to make new friends, as we age, but having interests in common can help. If your parent/family member is specific interests, it’s worth looking for social groups that are interested in similar things. 

Getting together with family on a regular basis can also help and planning some events in advance gives your senior something to look forward to: an outing, a trip to a place they enjoy, a visit from grandkids… whatever it is, having an ongoing schedule of events, even if it can only be every once in a while, will help.

Help them to set goals

Sitting down with them to set some goals for every day is a great way to make sure they are getting out and about. Like what? Getting the newspaper at the corner, stocking up on soap at the store, going to the library for a new book to read. Those goals give your family member something to do, a goal to meet, which will help keep them mobile and active. They’re not big tasks but they give some structure to the day; a total lack of purpose or structure can contribute to a feeling of isolation. 

Leverage technology

Not all seniors are tech-averse: some are very inspired by using technology to bring them closer to family and friends. If your family member is like that, use it! If they can reach you via video chat, or texting, they’ll feel more comfortable and safer. You will also have the benefit of knowing that they’re okay because you can check in relatively easily. Keeping in touch, no matter how far or how busy we are, has gotten so much easier.

Get some in home assistance

Human contact comes in many forms and one way you can alleviate the pressure of loneliness for your parent or senior family member is to get a little help. Whether in the form of in-home assistance with personal care, homemaking, or just a little senior companionship, people trained to look for the signs of depression or other medical issues can help you to care for your parent and help them feel better, knowing someone will be by to check on them. 

As parents age, they have the right to dignity and happiness. Helping them to stave off loneliness and social isolation is one step in ensuring that their independence remains fulfilling. Hiring in-home assistance, either once in a while or on a regular basis, is a great way to start!
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home senior care in Atlanta, please call the compassionate, caring staff at Mothers Helping Hands Home Care.  Call Today! 470-260-4137.