Helping a Senior Cope With Loneliness

As seniors age, they start losing more people. It’s a natural part of life that can be really hard to understand and cope with. If your senior parent has friends and family that continue passing away, it will be important to help them cope with loneliness. Their friends may die, their partner may die, and this loss can impact you and your thoughts when trying to help your senior mom or dad.

One of the best ways to ensure a senior is not lonely is by hiring home care assistance. This is especially useful when your senior chooses to age in place rather than go somewhere else to age. Home care assistance can help keep seniors routine and be a companion for them every day.

As we become older, we all go through a lot of changes, and many of those changes might leave us feeling lonely. Losing lovers, close friends, and relatives may be traumatic. Visiting others might be challenging if you have mobility issues or other health issues. There are many ways and reasons why a senior can feel lonely. Here are a few ways you can help.

Encourage Using Technology

If your senior loved one is hesitant to embrace new technological advances, the promise of meaningful social connection may be what they need to come on board. Using technology such as mobile phones and tablets built exclusively for elders might simplify the transition and make social media seem more enticing. You may need to sit down with them and show them exactly how to use the devices.

Teach Them a New Hobby

Picking up a new interest, no matter your age may be a terrific way to meet new people and establish satisfying and long-lasting connections. If your senior loved one is caught in a rut, a pastime might help them get out of it. If they had a passion that they used to like, getting back into it might help them relive the sensations they experienced when they were younger. Finding ways to fill up their time every day can help them feel less lonely.

Adopt a Pet

Not all seniors should get dogs, but there are tons of other animals that a senior can take care of even if they can’t go outside much. Adopting a pet may provide a senior loved one with a lifetime friend and companion who will adore them no matter what. Pet ownership has been found to minimize feelings of sadness and loneliness among individuals of all age groups, and caring for an energetic pet like a dog may inspire a senior to obtain the exercise they need. In addition, taking your dog for walks or to the dog park on a regular basis is a great opportunity to meet new people.

Try a Group Activity

Whether it’s group therapy, art class, or workout class, attending group activities can help seniors battle the loneliness they feel. The more they can do on their own, the less likely they are to be lonely and the happier they will live. Home care assistance offers transportation to and from social activities like book clubs, music classes, knitting groups and more.

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