Meeting the physical needs of an aging loved one is a top priority for family caregivers, but one aspect of wellbeing that may be lacking for your loved one is companionship. With age, many seniors experience the loss of close friends and family, resulting in a lack of socialization and a decreased level of participation in social activities. This reduction in companionship and socialization often becomes a serious problem for aging adults, one that can have detrimental effects on health and overall quality of life. That being said, seniors who are able to enjoy the companionship of others on a regular basis and continue to forge meaningful relationships in their golden years can benefit in several ways, including the following.
Decreased Incidence of Depression
Losing a spouse or loved ones and having friends and family move far away can leave a senior feeling isolated and even hopeless. Statistics indicate that seniors who don’t maintain social ties are more likely to become depressed, often as a result of feeling alone, with no one to confide in. Seniors who remain social as they age are better able to combat negative feelings such as depression and enjoy a higher sense of belonging and self-worth.
For families living in Edmonton, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Increased Physical Health
Those who have close relationships with peers and family members may also have better physical health. While this may be due to a variety of reasons, it’s believed that social seniors are more motivated and may actually take better care of themselves than those who withdraw from social situations. Seniors who enjoy the companionship of others are also likely to be more physically active. This alone can have a profound impact on a senior’s overall health and wellness.
Socializing on a regular basis is just one of the many ways older adults can enjoy a high quality of life. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Enhanced Mood & Memory
Some studies show companionship plays a role in boosting mood and preserving memory. Companionship provides a senior with the opportunity to share memories with someone. Telling stories, going through old pictures, and just talking about “the good old days” gives seniors a chance to reflect on their journeys and makes them feel good about their accomplishments. This can enhance mood and allow seniors to recall favorite memories from their past, which can ward off memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
Older adults who need regular social stimulation should consider professional in-home care. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Edmonton senior care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (780) 490-7337 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.