Sometimes, it’s difficult for families to know when it’s the right time to find ways to help their aging adults when they’re dealing with specific issues. One issue that seniors might encounter is feeling lonely or even isolated. Companion care at home is an effective and compassionate way to address seniors’ needs for social engagement, but how can families tell that aging adults need that help?
Subtle Signs of Loneliness
Some of the signs of loneliness aren’t all that obvious. Many seniors battle loneliness and don’t let anyone around them know what’s happening.
Seniors battling loneliness might not be as interested in activities they used to enjoy, especially ones with a social component. They might frequently turn down invitations from family members or friends. They could also communicate less often with the people they love or start to neglect self-care tasks. Sometimes, seniors make veiled statements during conversations that hint at their loneliness.
Benefits of Companion Care at Home
Companion care is an option for seniors who may not need as much help as elder care services can offer, but they do need companionship. Caregivers spend time with seniors on a schedule that seniors decide works well for them.
Companion care providers might play games or do puzzles with seniors. Most often, they simply engage seniors in conversation. There are lots of possibilities, but the key is that there is someone else there.
Introducing the Idea of Companion Care
Bringing up the idea of starting to work with companion care might feel awkward at first. Talking about how seniors are feeling is a good start, especially asking about social engagement. Mentioning things family members have noticed can be an icebreaker of sorts, especially when those comments are phrased without judgment.
Talking about companion care and asking seniors what they want their social experience to look like can also help.
Keep Seniors Involved
No one likes to feel as if decisions about their lives are being made without them, and seniors are no exception. Keeping seniors involved helps to empower them in the next steps. Aging adults might feel better meeting a variety of companion caregivers before making any decisions about what happens next, for instance.
Researching companion care together is another solid way to move forward.
Try It Out
It’s scary to make changes, especially for seniors. There can be a lot of reasons they’re not as social as they once were and part of that can involve various fears. Adjusting to companion care at home might be easier when seniors get to try things out without fear that they’re totally committed to this type of help forever.
Setting some guidelines and giving seniors an out can help them to be more open-minded about the idea.
Loneliness can look different for every senior, but there are signs that family caregivers can look for in their behaviors and choices. Companion care providers offer a supportive way for seniors to get social interaction, develop new relationships, and feel more confident interacting with others.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care in Ansonia, CT, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services of New Haven, CT, today. Call (203) 538-6273
At Talem Home Care & Placement Services of Fort Hartford, CT, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in New Haven, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Cheshire, Derby, Milford, Naugatuck, Orange, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, West Haven, Woodbridge, and Woodmont and surrounding areas in Connecticut.
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