Loneliness May Negatively Impact Senior Independence
Author: Dr. Claire Leegard
While watching the morning news, I heard about a recent Gallup poll that measured the levels of global loneliness. The survey found that as many as 23% or 1 in 5 respondents reported experiencing feelings of loneliness the day before being polled.
Demographics like age and gender did not make a difference in the percentages. However, some countries, like Kosovo, Poland, Tawain, and others reported much lower percentages of loneliness.
US News & World Report said, “In the Gallup survey published Wednesday (July 10, 2024), 23% of people said they felt lonely "a lot of the previous day." Those experiencing feelings of loneliness often felt physical pain, worry, sadness, stress, and anger, as well.”
Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma told CBS Mornings that beyond its emotional toll, loneliness is "a medical problem" that should be taken "very seriously."
As a “medical problem” with symptoms like those described above, it is easy to see how loneliness could negatively impact senior independence. That’s where Home Helpers can make a real difference in the lives of seniors living alone in the Bloomingdale area by providing companion care.
Many seniors go through the routines of their daily lives which can stimulate feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or depression, all of which can manifest in physical illness. Companion care services provide aging adults with the friendly face of a compassionate caregiver for conversation and engagement to help alleviate feelings of loneliness.
However, there is more to companion care than meaningful conversations. In-home companion care services extend beyond daily engagement. Our caregivers help with essential medication and hydration reminders, light housekeeping tasks, and more, for a richer, more fulfilling life.
Some ways a Home Helpers caregiver companion will make life easier, and more fulfilling, include:
- Talking, listening, and sharing experiences
- Playing games and cards
- Reading assistance
- Working puzzles
- Accompaniment to and from doctor appointments, errands, social events, etc
- Sorting and organizing mail, cabinets, and closets
- Connecting with friends and family through social media, like Facebook, Skype, etc
Home Helpers companion care services can benefit seniors who want to remain socially active and independent for as long as possible. Older adults who would benefit from companion care include:
- Those who live alone
- Those living a distance from family and friends
- Those who have experienced the loss of a spouse or loved one
- Those with mobility issues that make it difficult to get out of the house
- Those who need assistance with activities of daily living
- Those wanting support with exercise and other activities
- Those with family caregivers who need respite care
This is an abbreviated list, but you get the point.
In addition, companion care services for seniors are not limited to their home but can be delivered at other locations, such as:
- Retirement communities
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Independent living facilities
- Hospitals
- Rehabilitation centers
I am proud to offer a FREE Assessment for seniors so I can carefully match compassionate caregivers who will make the best possible companions! The talented caregivers I employ are skillfully trained to help aging adults maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, a positive outlook and attitude, and, above all, their senior independence.
Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently abled, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.
Our team is honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and the Employer of Choice Awards 2024, as well as the 2024 Caring Super Star Award from Caring.com. Contact our award-winning team today if we can help make life easier for you or a senior you love: 630.800.3837
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