5 Tips for Reducing Seniors’ Loneliness
Among the greatest challenges to successful senior care services is maintaining patients’ emotional and mental health. This revelation can shock the families of seniors who enjoyed vibrant careers and personal relationships during their active years. Nevertheless, it makes sense when one considers seniors’ lifestyle changes: their children and other family get busy with careers, their friends and spouses pass away, and their capacity for vigorous hobbies fades. Still, caretakers and loved ones can help seniors combat loneliness through regular interaction, new relationships, social activities, and more.
All these avenues, and more, await at Tysons Woods Assisted Living. Our assisted living communities offer elder care services and support for Oakton, VA, residents. The comprehensive daily care provides space for an independent lifestyle complemented by healthy meals and a welcoming environment. All patients can enjoy their golden years with the medical care and comfort they deserve. For more information or to schedule a pre-admissions assessment, visit our website or call (703) 846-0395.
Loneliness is Debilitating for Many Seniors
Why do so many seniors suffer from loneliness? In addition to losing or growing distant from friends and family members, they also struggle to meet and grow comfortable around other people. This discomfort can lead to social isolation and snowball into increasing levels of loneliness.
Other seniors become isolated because they lack transportation or feel uncomfortable driving. They may live on a limited budget with few resources to address such problems. Some seniors simply feel trapped or unwilling to get out and meet new people.
Physical and emotional problems might also prevent seniors from leaving their homes and trying new things. Excessive physical pain, depression, anxiety, and memory loss make approaching new social spheres and activities feel scary and threatening.
How to Overcome This Emotional Challenge
Effective care for seniors should incorporate strategies to improve their social connectivity and fight their loneliness. These practices can reduce the health risks of loneliness and may include:
- Frequent interactions: If you have the time and capacity for it, sit down with your seniors and talk or do activities with them: play games, watch movies, complete puzzles, and try any other hobbies they enjoy. Doing so helps build your emotional connections and shows your appreciation.
- Routine phone calls and conversations: If you live too far from your seniors for frequent interaction, try making phone calls at least once a week. Even 15 or 30 minutes of conversation can help seniors feel loved and included. Call them daily or a few times a week if you have the time.
- Building and maintaining their social connections: Whether your senior lacks a social network or struggles to maintain contact with it, help facilitate personal relationships. Reach out to your loved ones’ friends and relatives to get them involved in your senior’s life. Also, check whether their neighborhood or assisted living community has events for seniors.
- Encouraging hobbies and social interests: Find out what your elder likes to do and locate social groups that support it. These may include groups at senior centers, churches, activity groups, bingo facilities, and more.
- Greater access to the family: Find ways to help a senior meet their family more often. Set up regular visits or take them to reunions if they lack transportation.
Providing such care requires commitment, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, contact professionals if you need help managing your loved one’s loneliness and depression.
Senior Care Services Can Support Your Loved One in Oakton, VA
Rather than pleasant additions to effective senior care services, emotional and mental health support are critical to these efforts. Turn to Tysons Woods Assisted Living to ensure your loved one is properly cared for and given a happy and healthy life. We offer daily care as well as end-of-life and medical care options. Call (703) 846-0395 to learn how an assisted living facility can help your senior.
