Now that more seniors than ever are choosing to live in their own homes as they get older, seniors being lonely is a big concern. There are some significant benefits that seniors get from living in their own homes as they age. But, they do have a higher risk of loneliness when they age in place without companion care at home services.
If you can’t visit your mom or dad at home as often as you’d like, or if you can’t visit more than once or twice a year because you live so far away, your mom or dad could be lonely. And it turns out that being lonely can be really bad for a senior’s health.
Being lonely increases your mom or dad’s risk of developing a wide range of health conditions, both physical and mental illnesses. Over time, being lonely could even shorten your senior parent’s life.
Companion care at home is one of the most recommended tools for combatting loneliness in seniors. If your mom or dad has companion care at home services, they will get regular visits from a caregiver who is there just to listen to them, share conversations with them, play board or card games, and socialize with them.
Having companion care at home could help your mom or dad avoid the most serious consequences of loneliness like:
Increased Risk of Depression
Loneliness often leads to depression. Seniors who live alone may feel sad, hopeless, or unmotivated. Without regular social interactions, these feelings can grow worse over time. Depression in seniors is serious and can lead to a loss of interest in activities, poor self-care, and declining health.
If you are worried that your mom or dad is lonely, get companion care at home services to make sure they are getting social visits regularly. You can also call more often or set up family video chats to ensure they talk to someone daily.
Higher Risk of Heart Problems
Loneliness and isolation can affect your mom or dad’s heart health. Studies show that lonely seniors are more likely to develop high blood pressure and heart disease. Stress and anxiety caused by loneliness can put extra strain on the heart. Over time, this increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Being lonely can literally break your mom or dad’s heart.
Weakened Immune System
Loneliness can also weaken the immune system. A lonely senior’s body may produce more stress hormones, which lower the ability to fight off infections. This makes them more vulnerable to illnesses like colds, the flu, and even chronic conditions.
A weaker immune system also means slower recovery times.
Poor Cognitive Health
Isolation can harm brain health. Seniors who feel lonely are at a higher risk of developing memory problems and dementia. Without social interactions to stimulate their minds, your mom or dad’s cognitive abilities may decline faster.
Activities like conversations and playing games with family or companion care at home providers can improve your mom or dad’s health and help them keep their cognitive skills longer.
Decline in Physical Health
Loneliness can lead to neglecting physical health. Seniors who feel isolated may skip meals, avoid exercise, or ignore medical appointments.
On the flip side, lonely seniors may also overeat or eat unhealthy food that can make their existing medical conditions worse or increase the risk of developing new ones.
If you or an aging loved one needs Companion Care at Home in Fair Oaks, CA, contact A Better Living Home Care today (916) 514-7006
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