Seniors who live alone often become socially isolated, which can lead to unhealthy emotions like stress and depression. Philadelphia Home Care experts recommend encouraging your aging loved one to get out of the house and interact with others on a regular basis, and you can do so by using the following strategies.
Schedule Hearing and Vision Tests
Much like teenagers who have impaired hearing and vision, seniors who face challenges with their senses frequently have a difficult time being social. As a general rule, older adults should schedule vision and hearing tests at least once a year. Even if your loved one’s eyesight and hearing are fine, these tests can reveal other health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Use Pet Therapy
The act of nurturing an animal can help seniors overcome feelings of social isolation, and taking a dog out for a walk gives them plenty of opportunities to interact with other dog walkers in the neighborhood. It is important to determine if your loved one is capable of caring for a pet and how it could impact his or her other responsibilities. For those who are not ready for an animal on a full-time basis, local therapy dog associations are a great alternative. These organizations often host events where guests can interact with a variety of loving animals.
Encourage Hobbies
Many hobbies are inherently social and provide seniors with a long list of benefits, ranging from better cognitive health to greater self-confidence. Hobbies like dance classes and bingo could reinvigorate your loved one’s sense of adventure alongside peers in similar situations. Having others rely on your loved one can give him or her a sense of purpose and something to look forward to.
Provide Easy Access to Transportation
Your loved one might refrain from venturing out of the home because it is a hassle to contact family members or make sense of the public transportation system. One of the easiest ways to offer your loved one stress-free transportation is to work with a senior ride program. Many of these programs have special vans designed to be as comfortable as possible with all of the amenities seniors need, and they often offer daily rides to grocery stores, parks, and community centers. You can also hire a Philadelphia home caregiver to provide transportation and companionship for your loved one.
Socializing with people from all walks of life can be extremely beneficial for your loved one’s emotional wellbeing. If your loved one needs more opportunities for social stimulation, turn to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers can provide transportation and companionship, and they can also help with a wide variety of household tasks. In addition to respite and 24-hour care, we also offer Parkinson’s, post-stroke, and Alzheimer’s care Philadelphia families believe in. For more information on our elder care services, please call (215) 645-4663 today.