Seniors often battle isolation, and helping older adults stay social is important. Aging adults still have so much to give in their relationships that there’s no need for them to feel isolated. These six strategies can work well for helping you keep your senior loved one from feeling the pangs of loneliness when he or she is so loved.
1. Be Creative during Vulnerable Times
Seniors who are going through health issues may need to isolate themselves from some of their family members and friends. However, there are still ways to visit. Some families find visiting through a glass door or window provides an opportunity to still see each other. It’s also possible to deliver handwritten letters or send a quick text. Finding new ways to communicate can enhance your relationship in ways you might not have thought of before.
Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust senior care professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she lives with an illness and performs the daily tasks of living.
2. Add Social Activities to Your Loved One’s Calendar
It’s easy for days to turn into weeks without a senior having a visitor. Adding social activities to your loved one’s calendar ensures he or she is seeing other people regularly. Make sure the dates include a mixture of special events and regular visits. If your loved one does start to feel lonely, all he or she has to do is look at the calendar and remember that he or she has a chance to socialize coming up.
3. Help Your Loved One Use Social Media
Some seniors are hesitant to jump into social media when they aren’t sure how it works. Pick one or two platforms you know your loved one can use, and show him or her how to set up accounts. You can then help your parent add friends and family members to connect with when he or she can’t visit them in person.
4. Plan Weekly Lunch or Dinner Dates
Ideally, seniors who live alone should have regular visitors throughout the week. Scheduling a standing lunch or dinner date adds continuity to your loved one’s life, and it will be good to know he or she can depend on having that opportunity to relax and enjoy a stimulating conversation. Try to include you, other family members, and professional caregivers in the rotation of visitors so no date has to be skipped due to an unforeseen event.
Finding time to regularly visit your loved one may be challenging if you have other responsibilities to tend to. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional Home Care, Milwaukee Assisting Hands Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
5. Get Your Parent Involved in a Hobby Group
Hobbies help seniors pass the time, and you can use your loved one’s interests as a way to help him or her socialize. Reading groups are a fun option that tends to include people of all ages. Some seniors might also enjoy joining a dance or woodworking group. Your loved one may even find working on a hobby alone doesn’t feel lonely when he or she is looking forward to sharing his or her progress with a group.
6. Encourage Multigenerational Involvement
Diversity is also important for filling in a senior’s social gaps. Teenage grandchildren might need a little encouragement, but they’re often the ones who have time to drop in and say hello after school. Younger children can make drawings, send silly videos, and make phone calls that let seniors know they’re loved by everyone in their families.
Regular social stimulation is necessary to boost a senior’s overall health and wellbeing. For families living in Milwaukee, 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 Assisting Hands Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your parent, give us a call at (262) 228-4467 today.
