As a family caregiver one of the most important things that you can do for your senior is to make sure that they are getting all of the care and assistance that they need to manage their individual needs and challenges and support a good quality of life as they age in place. One of the areas of support that can be particularly beneficial for elderly adults is companionship. Seniors tend to experience higher levels of loneliness and isolation than younger people, and can suffer serious mental and emotional health consequences because of it. This can even further into diminished physical health and well-being. Identifying that your parent might be in need of companionship can allow you to make the proper changes in their care routine to give them this support on a regular basis.
Some signs that your aging parent might need companionship include:
- Smaller social circle. Regular social interaction is a critical element of mental and emotional health. If your parent no longer has the social circle that they once did, whether it is due to loss of friends, moving away from an established circle, or challenges that keep them from socializing as often, companionship can be a valuable part of getting them this interaction on a regular basis.
- Recent loss of loved one. The loss of a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences that anyone can go through. For a senior who has likely spent many years with their partner, this is a particularly devastating blow. If your parent has recently lost their spouse, companionship can help to ease their pain, help them through the difficult transition, and guide them on toward a new, meaningful chapter in their lives.
- Signs of mental health decline. Loneliness and isolation can lead to serious mental and emotional health issues, including depression, anxiety, and loss of motivation. These can then contribute to diminished physical health, especially if your parent stops taking care of themselves because of what they are going through. If your parent is showing signs that their mental and emotional health is suffering, now is the time to consider supplementing their companionship so that they can gain support and work toward improvement.
If you have noticed that your aging parent has needs that you are not able to handle confidently, or you simply feel that they would benefit from additional support and assistance, now may be the ideal time for you to consider starting care for them. Having a home care provider in the home with your parent is an exceptional way to fill any care gaps that might exist in the efforts that you provide, as well as to simply enhance your senior’s life with more support, more companionship, more activity, and greater independence. For them, this means the quality of life that they desire and deserve throughout their later years. For you as their family caregiver, it means having peace of mind knowing that whether you are able to be with them at all times or not, and regardless of your own personal limitations and challenges, your senior is getting everything that they need to stay happy, healthy, safe, and comfortable as they age in place.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional caregivers in San Francisco, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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