If you’re looking out for a senior parent you are probably very concerned about their physical health and keeping them safe. But don’t ignore their emotional health. Loneliness is reaching epidemic levels among seniors. Loneliness can increase your mom or dad’s risk of developing anxiety, heart disease, and other physical and mental illnesses.
It can be difficult to know how to prevent your mom or dad from being lonely, especially if you can’t visit them every day because you have a job or small children and you can’t make it there every day.
To help prevent your mom or dad from being lonely living in their own home, you should try:
Companion Care At Home
Companion care at home is a highly recommended way to improve the quality of your mom or dad’s life and prevent loneliness. If your mom or dad has companion care at home services, they will get regular visits from a companion that is just there to be good company.
A companion care at home provider will share meals with senior parent, share conversations with them, and do activities. Playing cards or board games, listening to music, going through old photos, and other activities give your mom or dad the social engagement and company they need to be healthy.
Regular Phone and Video Calls
Staying in touch through regular calls can make a big difference. Even short daily check-ins let your parent know you care and give them something to look forward to each day. Video calls add a personal touch since they can see your face and surroundings. Seeing each other can make the connection feel stronger, which helps fight loneliness.
If you can’t make it to see your mom or dad every day, set up a time of the day when you will always have a quick video call. That gives your mom or dad a chance to connect with you every day, even if it’s not in person.
Engage in Hobbies and Activities
Encourage your parent to engage in activities they enjoy, whether it’s reading, knitting, sewing, painting, or even learning something new. Hobbies keep the mind active and provide a sense of purpose. Many activities can be done at home or online, so that your senior parent can make their hobbies a chance to get social engagement too.
Sign Up for Virtual Classes or Social Groups
Online classes and virtual social groups are great options to help seniors stay connected. Many organizations offer senior-friendly virtual sessions on a variety of topics, from exercise to book clubs to cooking lessons. Participating in these groups can help your parent connect with new people who share similar interests. Plus, it’s convenient—they can join in right from home.
Foster A Pet
Pets can be wonderful companions for seniors. If your parent is comfortable with animals and can care for one, fostering a dog, cat, or bird can give your senior parent a companion always with them.
Fostering a pet is often easier for seniors than adopting a pet because when your mom or dad fosters a pet, the rescue group pays for all the animal’s care and food. And if it becomes too difficult for your mom or dad to take care of the pet, the rescue will take the pet back.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Berthoud, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Collins, CO, today. Call (970) 829-0447
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Collins CO, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Fort Collins, Ault, Berthoud, Eaton, Evans, Fort Collins, Garden City, Greeley, Johnstown, Laporte, Loveland, Milliken, Nunn, Pierce, Wellington, Windsor and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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