More seniors than ever are choosing to live independently as they get older. And there are a lot of benefits for seniors who choose to live in their own homes. But loneliness can be a problem that seniors living alone face. Companion care at home can help.
According to a study done in 2020 by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, approximately 43% of adults over 60 reported feeling lonely, and about 24% of adults 65 and older were socially isolated. Experts believe that number has only grown since the Covid-!9 epidemic.
If your senior parent is spending most of their time alone, they are at risk for health problems that can be caused by loneliness. Even if you visit as often as you can, that may not be enough to prevent your senior parent from becoming lonely.
Companion care at home is a great way to make sure that your senior parent is getting the social contact they need to stay healthy. With companion care at home, your senior parent will get regular visits from a companion who can have conversations with them, do activities with them, and keep them company.
Companion care at home may help protect your senior parent from health problems like:
Higher Risk of Heart Problems
Loneliness causes stress that affects your senior parent’s body as well as their mind. Studies show that people who feel lonely have higher blood pressure and more inflammation, both of which increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
So if your senior parent spends most days without anyone to talk to because you work or live far away, that increases their stress. The stress of that isolation can raise their blood pressure over time and lead to heart disease.
If your senior parent has companion care at home, they will have someone to talk to and do activities with during the day.
Weaker Immune System
The immune system is the body’s defense against sickness. Loneliness weakens it, which means colds, the flu, or infections hit harder and take longer to recover from.
If your senior parent lives alone and doesn’t see people often because you are not nearby, they may catch a bad cold in the winter. Because their immune system is weaker from the constant stress of loneliness, it could take them longer to recover.
Depression and Anxiety
Human beings need connection. Without it, feelings of sadness and worry can grow into depression or anxiety. Older adults who feel cut off from others may lose interest in hobbies or stop taking care of themselves.
For example, if your parent used to love gardening, but now that no one visits or asks about it, they may stop planting flowers or vegetables. Over time, their joy disappears, and depression can set in. But if they have companion care at home, they will have someone in their lives to encourage their interests and hobbies.
Memory and Thinking Problems
Loneliness can cause cognitive decline. Seniors who are isolated are more likely to develop memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease. Staying socially active helps keep the brain sharp, while loneliness does the opposite.
If your senior parent rarely talks to anyone, they don’t get the mental “exercise” that comes from conversations and problem-solving. They might start forgetting appointments, misplacing things more often, or having trouble focusing.
Poor Nutrition and Eating Habits
Eating alone can lead to unhealthy choices. Seniors who live alone may skip meals or eat quick, processed foods instead of balanced meals. Over time, this leads to weight loss, malnutrition, or other health issues.
For example, your senior parent may not want to cook a full dinner just for themselves. Instead, they might eat crackers or microwave meals every night. Without fresh vegetables, fruits, or protein, their health can suffer because they aren’t getting the nutrients or calories they need.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Orinda, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care today at (415) 463-1400
Aviva In-Home Care provides exceptional senior home care in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, and surrounding areas.
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