A 2020 report from the National Poll on Healthy Aging found that loneliness increased in older adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the country in lockdown, it’s not surprising that so many older Americans felt isolated and lacked companionship. As we continue to come out of the pandemic, it’s important as caregivers that we help seniors overcome loneliness through home care. In what ways can home care assistance in Washington DC help your loved ones feel less lonely and isolated?
What Is Loneliness?
Before addressing loneliness in your senior loved one, it’s important to recognize what it is. Loneliness isn’t merely “being alone.” Often seniors will live alone as part of independent living and may feel happy and satisfied doing so. Loneliness is when a person feels socially and emotionally isolated from others, something that can happen alone or surrounded by others. Loneliness can be caused by a variety of factors including,
- Social isolation that comes from the death of a friend or loved one or family members moving away
- Fear that can accompany aging (feeling they may become a burden for example)
- Anxiety following an injury or a health diagnosis
- A change in the environment
- Illness
It’s sometimes easy to look at someone who is lonely and say, “just get out more.” However, as you can see from the list of typical causes above, that isn’t always easy to accomplish. This is especially the case when loneliness begins to impact mental health.
How VMT Home Care Assistance Helps Washington DC Seniors Overcome Loneliness
If your loved one is experiencing loneliness, it’s important to reach out to them and engage with them. Knowing the cause of their loneliness is important to help you understand and express empathy. A home care assistant can help your senior loved one engage in activities and reconnect with others.
Home caregivers help seniors to,
- Engage in daily fitness activities. This is especially important for seniors with chronic illness or limited mobility. Physical activity helps to increase heart rate and produce positive chemicals in the brain to elevate mood.
- Engage in new hobbies. By providing companionship, home caregivers can help seniors revisit hold hobbies they enjoy or find new activities to do, such as learning a new language or craft.
- Attend social activities in the community. A home care assistant can help ensure your loved one can make important appointments (such as the doctor). They can also help seniors attend social activities such as book clubs, game nights, and religious services.
- Live independently with confidence. If your senior loved one wants to live independently, but feels anxious because of an illness, recent injury, or changes that come with aging, home care assistance can help them rebuild their confidence. A home caregiver can help your senior with daily tasks, meal planning, and more so that they can enjoy their best life at home.
Are You Looking for Home Care Assistance in Washington DC?
If you’re looking for someone to help with in-home care, then contact us. We’ll be happy to review our services with you and help match your loved one to one of our expert caregivers.
