Healing At Home

Posted on: 27 May 2020

Why does your aging parent, grandparent, or other family member need home care services? If your loved one still lives at home, take a look at what you need to know about the social side of in home care.

How Much Time Does the Senior Spend Alone?

According to the Pew Research Center, it's common for Americans over age 60 to spend more than half their days alone. Seniors who live with other people may spend as many as seven hours per day alone, while those who don't live with a companion or family member may spend up to 10 hours daily by themselves.

If your parent or other family member is one of the many American seniors who spends a significant part of their day alone, in-home caregivers can help. Talk to your loved one and ask how often they spend time with a friend or family member. The answer can help you to determine the senior's social or companionship needs.

Is Socialization Important for Seniors?

Does your loved one spend most of their time alone? Social interactions have plenty of benefits for elderly adults. These include health and psychological effects. Increases in social interactions may reduce blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases, improve brain health, reduce stress, and fight off depression. 

If your loved one is isolated and seems depressed or anxious, a home caregiver can provide the added social support the senior needs right now. Even though social ties may not seem like the most important part of the aging adult's life, without these interactions, the senior could suffer silently. The presence of another person in the senior's life can dramatically change their outlook and possibly even their health.

How Can In-Home Care Help Seniors Who Aren't Social?

Is your loved one reluctant to socialize with other seniors, family, or friends? If you have concerns about the senior's social life, a home caregiver can do more than provide health-related assistance. Caregivers can give your loved one a constant, and consistent, social support system. Days that were filled with loneliness transform into hours of conversations, games, and interactions.

Along with direct socialization, the home caregiver can help your loved one to leave their home and interact with other seniors. Whether they drive your parent or grandparent to a senior center, walk them down the street to a neighbor's home, or provide transportation to another social engagement, the caregiver will make it possible for your loved one to interact with other people.

For more information about home care services, reach out to a company like Cool Waters Home Care that provides in-home care.