If you have an elderly mom or dad that still lives at home and spends the majority of their days alone, you probably worry about their safety and happiness. Isolation can be quite damaging to a senior, both physically and mentally. You must do everything you can to find ways for your aging parent to connect to other people more often, participate in the community and have steady companionship. Many family caregivers hire home care providers to prevent loneliness and isolation in their aging loved ones.
Isolation is Dangerous for Seniors
Living alone may be just fine for aging Americans who are still physically robust and can still drive safely. However, far too many seniors deal with illness or injury that prevents them from getting out and about like they used to. Because they want to age in their own home, they live alone and grow more isolated. If they are housebound or even bedridden, it can be even more lonely. Of course, family caregivers try to visit as often as they can, but in too many cases, aging parents are left alone for many hours.
The reason isolation is dangerous for seniors is that they have nobody to lean on when they need help. Being physically limited, there are many daily tasks they cannot accomplish on their own. They may suffer a slip and fall accident or be unable to prepare meals for themselves. Many of them struggle to manage their medications and pure loneliness can trigger mental health issues like depression and anxiety. It’s not good for seniors to be alone day after day.
Companionship from Home Care Providers
Hiring a home care provider is an excellent solution for family caregivers that want their aging parent to have social activity and companionship yet cannot do so themselves due to work or their own family needs. A home care companion can clean, cook, do laundry and even run errands. More importantly, they work to provide company and companionship for the isolated elderly adult. Whether they go to a community event or take a walk in the park together, the home care provider is the key to your aging parent’s social life.
With a home care provider, your aging parent will never become chronically lonely or isolated. They will lower their risk of the dangers that many studies associate with loneliness, such as heart conditions, malnutrition, medication mismanagement, dementia, weaker immune system and even depression. among others. Home care providers and elderly adults make a good team when it comes to getting active and staying social.
Family caregivers also benefit from hiring a home care provider to stay with their elderly mom or dad during the day. Instead of worrying about their loved one, family caregivers can attend to work, their own family or other responsibilities. They know their elderly mom or dad is being cared for by a professional and isn’t alone any longer.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Cambridge MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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