ltcep2023, Author at Golden Heart Walnut Creek

Beyond the Basics: How 24-Hour Home Care Helps Seniors Aging in Place

Posted on April 22, 2025 by ltcep2023

In an era where many seniors strongly prefer to age in the comfort of their own homes rather than transition to alternative living arrangements, 24-hour home care has emerged as a vital service. While medication reminders and mobility assistance are well-known benefits, the true value of round-the-clock care extends far beyond these fundamentals.

Tech Integration Specialists

24-hour home care often assists seniors with any technology gaps they might have, helping them harness the power of smart home devices and more. From teaching seniors to use voice assistants to ordering things online to setting up automated lighting systems that prevent falls, caregivers can help seniors transform their homes into tech-enabled sanctuaries. Caregivers can also help seniors feel comfortable about these devices in their home, as well as safer and more connected.

Night-Time Anxiety Management

Feelings of vulnerability often increase at night. 24-hour home care provides more than just practical assistance—they offer psychological security that dramatically improves sleep quality. Caregivers might also teach seniors healthy sleep techniques, encourage them to try ambient sound therapy, and even recommend specialized devices that mimic natural circadian rhythms to help seniors establish healthier sleep patterns.

Cultural Alignment and Heritage Preservation

Family members can talk with care teams about any special needs they have regarding shared cultural backgrounds or language proficiencies. This cultural resonance allows caregivers to prepare traditional foods, celebrate meaningful holidays, and engage in familiar customs that maintain the senior’s connection to their heritage, which can prove vital to their well-being as physical care.

Outing Coordination

Aging in place shouldn’t mean confinement. 24-hour home caregivers can function as “outing coordinators,” organizing small but meaningful adventures tailored to the senior’s abilities. Whether it’s a sunrise drive to a scenic overlook, an early-hours visit to a museum when crowds are minimal, or coordinating virtual reality experiences for those with mobility limitations, these moments combat the isolation that can accompany aging at home.

Legacy Documentation

24-hour home caregivers can help seniors record their life stories, wisdom, and family recipes through audio recordings, photo digitization, or written memoirs. This not only provides meaningful engagement for the senior but also creates lasting family treasures.

Family Support

24-hour home care helps ensure that family connections continue to occur. Caregivers can facilitate video calls with distant relatives at times that might be inconvenient for the senior without support. This connectivity ensures that aging in place doesn’t mean being disconnected from family scattered across different geographical locations.

Cognitive Exercise Tailoring

Beyond basic memory games, 24-hour home care can create personalized cognitive stimulation plans based on the senior’s professional background or lifelong interests. For instance, former engineers might enjoy problem-solving activities, while artists can participate in adapted creative projects—all facilitated by caregivers trained to understand how cognitive engagement should evolve throughout the day.

When implemented thoughtfully, 24-hour home care preserves independence while adding layers of support that enhance quality of life. Additionally, the support helps seniors feel more confident as they age in place, not to mention giving their family members peace of mind.

Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2021/aging-in-place-checklist.html
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home
https://www.ltcfeds.gov/care-navigator/aging-in-place-help-at-home-for-seniors

If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-hour home care in San Ramon, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

How Senior Home Care Makes Living Alone Easier For Seniors

Posted on April 7, 2025April 5, 2025 by ltcep2023

If your senior parent wants to continue living in their home as they get older but you’re worried about their safety, senior home care is the perfect solution. Even if your senior parent doesn’t have mobility issues or serious health conditions, they may need a little extra help around the house, and senior home care can give them that.

Senior home care gives your parent a consistent routine they can depend on and provides them with daily visits when you can’t be there. Some of the ways that senior home care can make living alone easier for your senior parent are:

Help with Daily Tasks

As your senior parent gets older they may struggle with everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry. A senior home care provider can take care of these chores, making sure your parent has clean clothes, fresh meals, and a tidy home.

Instead of struggling with housework, your senior parent can focus on learning new hobbies, or getting the most out of their retirement. Having someone to handle these tasks makes life at home easier for seniors.

A Safe and Comfortable Home

Falls and accidents are a big concern for seniors who live alone. A home care provider can help keep your parent’s home safe by checking for tripping hazards, making sure walkways are clear, and reminding them to use assistive devices like a cane or walker.

They can also make sure the home is well-lit and free of clutter. With regular safety checks and extra support, your parent can feel more secure in their own home.

Regular Meals

Cooking for one person can seem like too much effort, which can cause your senior parent to skip meals. A senior home care provider can prepare balanced meals, making sure your senior parent is eating the way they should be.

A home care provider can also make sure that the fridge and cupboard are stocked with healthy snacks that are perfectly portioned for one, so that your senior parent won’t be hungry when they’re alone.

Companionship and Social Interaction

Living alone can get lonely, especially if you can only visit once or twice a week. Your senior parent needs to have more social interaction to be healthy. A home care provider offers daily companionship by chatting, playing games, or simply spending time together.

Whether it’s sharing a meal, watching a favorite show, or having someone to sit outside to get some fresh air with, having someone around can brighten your parent’s day.

Medication and Appointment Reminders

It’s common for seniors to struggle to keep up with their medications. A home care provider can remind your parent to take their medications on time and ensure they don’t miss important health checkups. They can also help with scheduling appointments and even provide transportation if needed.

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Pleasant Hill, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

The Benefits of Volunteering for Seniors and Unique Places to Give Back

Posted on March 25, 2025 by ltcep2023

Volunteering is a joyful and fulfilling experience at any age, but it offers special benefits for seniors, including improved physical health, mental well-being, and a stronger sense of purpose. Many seniors discover that contributing to their communities provides them satisfaction, new social contacts, and a renewed sense of self-worth. With home care assistance, seniors can gain a better understanding of the advantages of volunteering as well as learn some unique places to volunteer that they may not have thought of on their own.

Advantages of Volunteering for Seniors

Studies have revealed that seniors who volunteer had lower rates of depression and anxiety. This is because staying active and engaged in a cause reduces stress, stimulates the brain, and improves general emotional well-being. In addition, many volunteer activities require physical activity, which can help seniors improve their mobility, balance, and cardiovascular health. Other advantages of volunteering include the following:

Stronger Social Connections: Loneliness and social isolation are significant problems among seniors, particularly those who live alone or have lost close friends and relatives. While having home care assistance by their side helps, volunteering allows them to meet like-minded people, form new friendships, and feel a part of a community.

Sense of Purpose and Fulfillment: Retirement frequently causes a transition in identity as everyday duties change and their sense of who they are changes. Volunteering allows seniors to continue making meaningful contributions to society, which strengthens their feeling of purpose.

Opportunities for Lifelong Learning: Many volunteer positions demand the acquisition of new skills, which is key, as continuous learning keeps the mind sharp and exposes seniors to new hobbies and interests.

Unique Volunteering Opportunities for Seniors

While many seniors volunteer in hospitals, schools, and food banks, there are other alternative possibilities that may match their interests and hobbies.

Animal Shelters and Therapeutic Pet Programs: Volunteering at a local animal shelter can be a rewarding experience for seniors who love animals. Tasks could include socializing pets, assisting with adoption events, or even fostering animals. Additionally, seniors with well-trained pets can also join in therapy pet programs, which provide comfort and joy to hospitalized patients, nursing home residents, and those with special needs.

Museums and Historical Society: History buffs could enjoy volunteering as docents at museums or historical places, sharing their knowledge with tourists. Many organizations also request assistance with document archiving, exhibit organization, and educational tour guidance.

National and State Parks: National and state parks offer volunteer opportunities for nature lovers. Whether conducting nature walks, assisting with conservation projects, or working in visitor centers, seniors can enjoy the great outdoors while contributing to environmental concerns.

Theatre and Arts Programs: Local theaters, art centers, and performing arts organizations frequently need volunteers to assist with ushering, stage management, and costume design. Seniors who have an artistic background or a passion for the arts can contribute while remaining linked to creative communities.

Libraries and Literacy Programs: Many libraries are looking for volunteers to help with children’s reading programs, book clubs, and material organization. Seniors who enjoy books can share their passion while contributing to their communities.

Volunteering is an effective way for seniors to remain engaged, active, and fulfilled. With home care assistance, they can better understand this and find meaningful ways to offer their talents, engage with others, and have a long-term effect in their communities.

Sources:
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/health-benefits-volunteering-seniors-fd.html
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/volunteer-opportunities/

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in San Ramon, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

What Is Companion Care and Why Do Seniors Need It?

Posted on March 11, 2025 by ltcep2023

For seniors living alone, social engagement is just as vital as assistance with daily tasks. While home care services address physical needs, companion care at home plays a crucial role in supporting a senior’s emotional and mental well-being. Unfortunately, loneliness is a growing concern among older adults who are aging in place, and too many seniors experience a lack of meaningful social interaction.

Prolonged loneliness can significantly affect a senior’s overall health. Research shows that isolated seniors are at an increased risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. Additionally, social isolation has been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, further compromising their quality of life.

Even with regular visits from family, seniors may still struggle with feelings of loneliness. Companion care at home offers a solution by providing consistent social interaction tailored to your loved one’s needs. A dedicated companion can engage your parent in conversation, share hobbies, or participate in activities that stimulate their mind and bring joy to their day.

Some meaningful activities a companion can enjoy with your loved one include:

Play Board Games and Card Games

Games are a great way to keep your mom or dad engaged while also providing entertainment and social interaction. A companion can play classic board games like Scrabble, checkers, or chess with your parent, encouraging strategic thinking and memory skills.

Card games like Rummy, Solitaire, or Go Fish can also be fun and mentally stimulating. Playing together gives your mom or dad a chance to laugh, focus, and enjoy friendly competition, which can improve their mood and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Watch and Discuss Movies or TV Shows

Watching a favorite movie or TV show is more enjoyable when shared with someone. Companion care at home providers can watch classic films, old sitcoms, or even new shows with your parent, giving them something to look forward to.

Afterward, they can talk about the story, characters, or themes, keeping your parent mentally engaged and socially connected. This activity can bring back happy memories and create a fun, shared experience.

Cook or Bake Together

Even if your parent isn’t able to cook like they used to, a companion can involve them in simple kitchen activities. They can bake cookies, prepare a family recipe, or make a favorite snack together.

This can give your mom or dad a sense of purpose and it can spark conversations about memories tied to certain foods. The process of measuring, mixing, and tasting can be fun and rewarding, giving your parent a sense of accomplishment.

Look Through Old Photos and Share Stories

Reminiscing about the past is a wonderful way to spark conversation and strengthen emotional connections. A companion can sit with your parent and look through old photo albums, asking about the people, places, and events in the pictures.

This activity helps seniors recall cherished memories and gives them an opportunity to share their life stories. It can also be comforting and affirming for seniors who enjoy reflecting on their past.

Work on Arts and Crafts Projects

Creative activities help seniors express themselves while keeping their hands and minds active. A companion can do simple arts and crafts projects with your parent, such as painting, coloring, knitting, or making greeting cards.

Crafting provides a sense of accomplishment and can be a relaxing way to spend time. The finished projects can also be given as gifts, adding a sense of purpose and pride.

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Lafayette, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

What Myths About Aging Might Hold Seniors Back?

Posted on February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 by ltcep2023

Myths and misconceptions about growing older are everywhere, and when seniors believe them that can have an impact on how they live their lives. Understanding what’s behind these myths and helping seniors get past them can greatly improve their quality of life. Home care providers can offer seniors the support they need to live life how they want no matter what they’re facing.

Exercise Might Get Seniors Hurt

Sometimes seniors avoid exercise because they believe that it’s going to cause injuries and accidents. Unfortunately, believing this myth can cause seniors to reduce their mobility and then have more difficulty moving well. As long as their doctors agree that exercise is safe for them, seniors may need help from elder care providers to incorporate more movement into their daily routines.

They Don’t Need Much Sleep

Another common misconception is that seniors just don’t need to sleep as much as they did in the past. Some seniors might not need as much sleep, but everyone is an individual and has unique health issues. Most experts recommend anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep for good health. If seniors do experience insomnia, they should talk with their doctors.

Falls Are Just Part of Growing Older

Some people perpetuate the belief that falling is just what happens to aging adults. This is not true and is a very dangerous myth. Falls are not normal and are completely preventable. Moreover, falling just one time doubles a senior’s risk of experiencing another fall. Couple that with the fact that falls can cause serious injuries that last the rest of their lifetime and seniors need to practice fall prevention regularly.

Feeling Lonely Is Normal for Older Adults

It’s also damaging for seniors to believe that it’s normal for them to feel isolated and lonely. Believing this myth can cause them to not reach out to people when they are suddenly feeling lonely and isolated. There are solutions that can help, like having home care providers available to assist with daily activities and offer companionship.

Aging Adults Are Always Cranky

Lots of people believe the myth that seniors are just going to be cranky, no matter what. The reality is that seniors may be a lot happier when they have more time and freedom to try new things and spend their time in ways that is more fulfilling for them. Aging doesn’t have to be a negative experience at all.

They’re Going to Have to Leave Their Homes

One misconception that is often also a big fear for seniors is that they may have to leave their homes. While there are a lot of factors that play into whether seniors need to move or not, it’s not necessarily a given that seniors have to leave their homes. With the help of home care services, seniors can get the support they need with daily activities to age in place successfully.

Talking about these myths with seniors can help family caregivers understand more about the support seniors might need. Home care providers can help families to get the assistance necessary for seniors to stay safe and healthy as they remain at home.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Clayton, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Five Tips to Help Your Elderly Loved One Gain Weight

Posted on February 10, 2025 by ltcep2023

If your elderly loved one has always been diminutive in size, you might have started to notice in her later years that she is getting smaller and smaller. It might not only be the height she is losing but weight as well. Losing too much weight can bring about some serious health consequences, much like obesity can.

Health Concerns of Seniors Who are Underweight

Being underweight is considered to be anyone who has a BMI (Body Mass Index) of less than 18.5. For many seniors, it can be easy to slip into this danger zone of not only being underweight but being malnourished. As a person ages, they might lose a lot of their desire to eat for a myriad of reasons, and then without realizing it, have lost enough weight to put them at risk for other health conditions. Some of those health concerns include:

A weakened immune system that could put them at greater risk of developing an infection
Weakened bones that might break more easily.
Decreased muscle strength which can lead to falls and injuries.
Wounds take longer to properly heal.
Cognitive decline.

Five Tips to Help Your Loved One Gain Weight

Personal Care at Home in Moraga CA

Before you begin any process of making changes to your loved one’s eating habits, make sure to talk with her physician first to receive guidance to help you navigate any health issues she may have or medications she may take.

Make calories count. While you may have the goal to boost her daily caloric intake, making those calories count is vital to better health. It shouldn’t be all milkshakes and cake! Instead make sure meals and snacks are made up of nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods that have healthy fats, whole grains, and are low in sugar.
Reconsider meal sizes. Your loved one may not be able to eat three large meals a day so consider serving five small meals. This can help alleviate possible digestion issues she might have with a larger meal.
Make snacks part of the diet. Healthy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, and cheese and crackers can add extra calories each day.
Add calories to drinks. While you don’t want to add a ton of sugar into her drinks, consider having her enjoy a smoothie with her lunch or a glass of milk with breakfast.
Start an exercise program. Exercising can build muscle mass and increase appetite.

Better Meals with a Personal Care at Home Provider

If one of your main goals with your elderly loved one is helping her to eat meals that have more calories and making sure those calories are healthy, it can help to have a personal care at home provider step in and assist with meal preparation. A personal care at home provider will work with you and your loved one to help ensure she’s eating appropriate foods that taste great and will help her gain weight. You can provide the personal care at home provider with the dietary guidelines that will help your loved one increase her body mass healthily and they will gladly step in to help your loved one succeed in her goals.

If you or an aging loved one is considering personal care at home in Moraga, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Preparing for Exercise and Cooling Down Properly

Posted on January 27, 2025January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Being physically active is important for sustaining health and mobility as the years pass by. Regular exercise can help seniors improve their balance, strength, and cardiovascular health while also boosting their emotional well-being. However, proper preparation and cooldown are essential for workout safety and effectiveness. With the help of senior home care, seniors can not only be encouraged to remain active but also ensure they’re doing all they can to prepare for exercise and properly cool down afterwards.

Preparation Is Key

Before beginning a new fitness program, seniors should meet with their doctor to discuss their health conditions and receive personalized recommendations. This step guarantees that the workouts selected are safe and appropriate for their fitness level and health status. Beyond this, senior home care can encourage them to pay attention to the following:

Choose the Right Attire: Seniors should wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes to avoid injuries and maintain a full range of motion. Additionally, when planning outdoor activities, they will need to be mindful of the weather and dress in layers to accommodate temperature changes.
Warm-Up: Seniors should begin each session with a 5-10-minute warm-up to get their body ready for exercise. Gentle movements such as marching in place, arm circles, or slow walking gradually raise the heart rate and circulation, relaxing muscles and lowering the chance of injury.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can be dangerous during physical activity, particularly for seniors. Senior home care can remind them to drink water before exercising and keep a water bottle handy to sip on during activity.
Pay Attention: Seniors need to pay attention to how they feel during exercise. For instance, if they feel pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, they need to stop right away rather than push through.
Set Realistic Goals: Seniors should begin with low-impact workouts like walking, stretching, or swimming and gradually increase in intensity.

Cooling Down

Senior Home Care in Walnut Creek CA

Abruptly discontinuing activity can cause blood pooling in the legs, resulting in dizziness or fainting. With this in mind, seniors should spend five to ten minutes progressively decreasing the intensity of their activities. For example, if they were walking quickly, they should switch to a slower speed, gradually decreasing until they’re at a stopping point. Other cooling down tips include the following:

Stretching: Stretching after exercise helps to increase flexibility, minimize stiffness, and prevent muscular discomfort. Seniors should hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds without bouncing, concentrating on key muscular groups such as the legs, arms, and back.
Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises might help relax the nervous system and restore natural breathing. Senior home care can work with seniors to slow down breathing by encouraging them to breathe in through their nose and out through their mouth.
Rehydrate and Refuel: Hydration is just as important after exercising as it is during. Seniors should drink water or an electrolyte-rich beverage to replace fluids lost. Also, a light snack, like a piece of fruit or yogurt, can help them regain energy.

Exercise is an important part of healthy aging, but safety comes first. With the help of senior home care, seniors can prepare properly and cool down successfully so they can better enjoy the advantages of physical activity while reducing risks.

Sources:
https://www.helpguide.org/aging/healthy-aging/exercise-and-fitness-as-you-age
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/warm-up-cool-down https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/how-older-adults-can-get-started-exercise

If you or an aging loved one is considering senior home care in Walnut Creek, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Creative Ideas to Help Seniors with Dementia Stay Mentally Sharp

Posted on January 10, 2025January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Cognitive health is something all seniors need to consider, but if they have dementia, seniors might need some creative ideas to keep their brains as healthy as possible. Pairing cognitive health with activities that are also fun is a great solution. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors and family caregivers adopt some of these ideas to keep their brains as sharp as possible.

What Does Staying Mentally Active Do for Seniors with Dementia?

The brain works like any other muscle in the body does. When the brain gets enough exercise through mental activities, it gets stronger. One of the best ways to work the brain is for seniors to stay as mentally active as possible. Practicing activities that boost mental strength helps to slow down cognitive decline and enhances both problem-solving skills and memory retention. Mental activity can also help seniors with dementia to experience better moods.

Brain Games

Brain games are fun for seniors and they are an easy way to stimulate the brain. Crossword puzzles help to exercise memory and vocabulary. They also offer seniors a sense of accomplishment when they successfully complete them. Sudoku is a number game that works on logical thinking as well as problem-solving skills. Memory games, word searches, and other types of brain games can have similar impacts.

Creative Activities

Alzheimer’s Care in Concord CA

Creative activities help to enhance brain health through self-expression. As seniors with dementia experience worsening symptoms, it can sometimes be more difficult for them to express their thoughts and feelings. Art projects, crafting, music therapy, and other creative activities help seniors to relax and reduce stress. Home care providers can help seniors to set up activities and work through them.

Physical Activities

Physical activities, even ones as simple as stretching, can offer seniors with dementia a lot of benefits. Alzheimer’s care providers can help seniors with dementia find activities they enjoy that combine movement with mental focus. Activities like yoga or tai chi are good examples of exercises that use concentration and balance, while also including relaxation.

How Alzheimer’s Care Helps

There are lots of different ways that Alzheimer’s care providers work with seniors to keep their brains as strong as possible. They can offer prompts and gentle guidance when seniors start new activities or get stuck in familiar routines. They can also help to tailor routines and activities to pair them with the senior’s interests. Paying attention to those details allows seniors to enjoy these activities even more and helps them to feel more comfortable participating in them. Having solid routines that support cognitive health keeps these practices a regular part of everyday life for seniors with dementia.

Dementia brings so many changes for seniors and their family members. Alzheimer’s care providers offer seniors with dementia so much support in their daily lives, including helping them to find activities and routines that support mental sharpness. As dementia continues to change life for seniors and family caregivers, home care providers can be there to continue to support them as they navigate those waters.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s care in Concord, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Could It Be Time for Home Care Assistance?

Posted on December 24, 2024January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Making the decision to opt for home care assistance is something that can cause families to debate for a long time. The choice feels a lot bigger than it really might be, for multiple reasons. There’s a lot to consider and families may have to get real about what they can do and what seniors really need.

Signs It’s Time for Home Care

Seniors may need home care when they start to have trouble moving around their homes safely because this assistance can reduce the risk of falling or injuries. If seniors are showing signs that their eating habits or personal hygiene habits are changing, assistance can make a big difference. Withdrawing from social situations and increasing health issues, particularly ones that lead to hospital stays, can also mean that it’s time for more help from home care providers.

How Home Care Assistance Helps

The big question from many families is what senior home care actually does to offer assistance to aging adults. There are a lot of different ways that home care helps. Care providers can assist with bathing, dressing, and other personal hygiene tasks. They can also help with preparing balanced meals that seniors are excited to eat. They don’t offer medical assistance, but home care providers can remind seniors to take medications and stay on target with exercise goals. Professional caregivers also make great companions for aging adults because they genuinely enjoy spending time with seniors.

Talking About Home Care Assistance

Home Care Assistance in Alamo CA

Once families realize that seniors need some extra help, the next step is to bring up the topic with seniors. Surprising them with home care providers may not be the best idea. Talking about what is happening during a comfortable and calm conversation is a good start. Keep the focus on the challenges they’re having and what they need. From there, family caregivers can bring up how home care assistance can alleviate those difficulties. Sharing specific examples is important because it’s concrete and something seniors can start to picture getting solved with this idea.

Moving to the Next Steps

These decisions often don’t get resolved in one conversation. Seniors may need to take some time to think about what comes next. Some seniors like the idea of trying out senior care before they commit. That could be the best way to help them to see first-hand how exactly senior home care is going to make their lives easier and better overall. The goal is for seniors to age in place safely and happily, so it’s important that they don’t resent the help they get.

Taking things at a reasonable pace is the best move for family caregivers to make when they realize that their aging family members need some extra help. Home care assistance is something that families can customize to meet their seniors’ needs and preferences. If seniors are only comfortable with help one or two days a week, that might be a step in the right direction. They could make a different decision after a few more positive experiences.

If you or an aging loved one is considering home care assistance in Alamo, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.

Six Benefits of Companion Care at Home for Isolated Seniors

Posted on December 6, 2024January 27, 2025 by ltcep2023

Seniors tend to spend a lot of time alone, especially after experiencing life changes like retirement or health issues. They may have also experienced loss of people they love or mobility challenges that leave them feeling isolated and alone. Companion care at home is one solution families might consider to help seniors avoid loneliness and isolation.

Improved Mental Health

Home care providers who focus just on companionship help seniors to boost their mental well-being. Spending prolonged periods of time alone can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, so seniors need tools and support that helps them to feel valued and understood. Companion caregivers and seniors get to know each other well, getting comfortable with each other and sharing thoughts, concerns, and things that bring them happiness.

Increased Cognitive Stimulation

Spending time with other people is also an activity that supports cognitive stimulation for seniors. Talking with other people, engaging in activities, and having something to look forward to all boosts brain health. Seniors find new ways to remain curious and might be encouraged to learn more or explore new hobbies and ideas.

Healthier Habits

Companion Care at Home in Orinda CA

One surprising benefit of companion care at home is that seniors may be encouraged to stick with or adopt healthier habits. This can happen as seniors start to feel happier and more interested in general well-being. Seniors might go on walks with companion caregivers, for instance, or take up hobbies like yoga or meditation. Spending time with other people can also help seniors to get more excited about things like eating healthier meals and snacks.

Reduced Stress Levels

Social connections that are enjoyable help seniors to feel less stress overall, but they may not realize that there are chemical reactions in the body that explain why that’s true. Connecting with others helps to slow down cortisol production, for example. Cortisol is a hormone related to stress, so reducing those levels allows seniors to reduce the symptoms of stress they experience. Other chemicals like endorphins and oxytocin help boost mood and feel good as they get released, and spending time with others can help to release those chemicals.

Improved Sleep

Another surprising impact of companion care at home might be that seniors start to sleep better overall. This can happen for a variety of different reasons. First, if seniors are more active during the day they’re more likely to sleep better. But social connection can improve emotional wellness, which also helps seniors to rest better when they lie down to go to sleep. As they sleep better, their energy levels may also improve, helping them to feel better overall.

Improving social engagement has so many ripple effects that help aging adults to have a better overall quality of life. Companion care at home is one of the easiest ways for seniors to fill their time and reduce their loneliness and isolation. Companion caregivers help seniors to find the social support they need to reconnect with the world around them in a larger way. As aging adults experience these and other benefits, they may find that they enjoy life far more than they did in the past.

Reference
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/aging-place/aging-place-growing-older-home

If you or an aging loved one is considering companion care at home in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Walnut Creek. (925) 203-3039.