Once we’re lucky enough to retire we can leave the problems of work stress and drudgery behind. However, there are new problems to be discovered. For many seniors these problems take the form of irritating aches, pains, and stiffness; annoying but not serious. For other seniors, more serious health issues will occur.
But one problem that many of us don’t consider often enough is loneliness. Seniors are at a higher risk of isolation than other demographics. But the senior members of our family might not want to complain or to let on that they’re lonely. It can be a tricky problem but we have to do what we can to help alleviate the loneliness of seniors.
Loneliness and Isolation
Just why are rates of isolation higher among seniors than younger demographics? As with all social problems, there are a number of causes. To begin with, in America, it is relatively rare for the parents of adults to live with their children. It still happens, of course, but it’s not nearly as common as it is in other parts of the world, such as China, for example. It’s just not something many parents or children necessarily want to do here. It is also not often practical.
Because seniors tend not to live with their younger family members, they’re likelier to be alone. This can be especially hard for single seniors, of which there are many. There are lots of seniors who are widowed, divorced, or who never married. But it’s important to remember that even senior couples can find themselves both isolated together, It is also difficult to maintain friendships into one’s senior years and without any coworkers, seniors can find themselves with very little social interaction and with no companions.
Elderly Companions
The adult children of seniors want to spend as much time with them as possible. But between work commitments, familial obligations, and social functions, there aren’t many people with a lot of free time on their hands. Not to mention, many people live in totally different cities from their elderly parents. Of course, everybody is different and while some folks are happy with very little social interaction, we all need companionship to some degree.
Companion Care
If our elderly parents have mobility issues, many of us would not think twice about enlisting the help of a caregiver to provide assistance. The same is true if our parents contracted an illness or disease. Well, loneliness and isolation often lead to depression. Depression is a serious mental health issue and it in turn can lead to any number of physical issues. And often the best way that we can help is to do the same thing we would if our parents’ had a physical issue: get the right help.
Executive Home Care offers companion care services. Such services see a caregiver come to the home of an elderly person to be their companion. Companion caregivers can talk with them, provide emotional support, play card games with them, drive and accompany them to social events, help them with their correspondence, and more. These caregivers often provide the companionship the elderly need to be happy and healthy.
Get in Touch
If you would like to learn more about Executive Home Care’s companion services for the elderly, please don’t hesitate to contact us.