Social isolation may impact the health, well-being, and quality of life of many seniors. Many health
issues are related to social isolation, which may increase the risk of depression and anxiety. It's the
responsibility of family caregivers to promote social integration among seniors. A trusted (City) Home
Care provider has shared the top 5 ways caregivers can promote connectedness and social health in
your loved one.
1. Notify Neighbors
Seniors who feel socially isolated may be vulnerable to many unexpected problems such as dementia or
Alzheimer's. Every community should know about seniors who feel lonely and depressed. Trustworthy
neighbors may help seniors prevent many personal issues if it is feasible for them. If your loved one face
trouble with household activities or live alone at home, tell the neighbors about it to keep a friendly eye
in case of an emergency.
2. Encourage Dining with Others
Eating with your friends and family members every day may lower social isolation and depression. Lunch
and dinner are the perfect time for seniors to interact with their whole family on the table. Encourage
your loved one to share a meal with others whenever possible, whether it’s with a church group or he or
she is spending time at the local senior center. Dining with others may promote better nutrition, which
is necessary for seniors at an older age.
3. Give Seniors a Hug
Studies show friendly gestures from friends and family, such as hand-holding or hugging may lower
stress and promote feelings of wellbeing. Besides, seniors deprived of touch may feel happier after
receiving a hug or a kiss from their family members. Even if your loved one doesn't like physical contact,
a friendly hug into your greetings and farewells may induce happiness in his or her life.
4. Support Seniors Who Have Lost a Spouse
Seniors may have a higher risk of becoming socially isolated after losing their spouse. Sharing your
whole life with someone and losing them instantly may have a negative impact on the brain. It’s
important for family caregivers to provide extra emotional and social support to their loved one while he
or she is grieving or feeling low. Instead of bringing flowers, try to spend more time with your loved one,
especially if he or she has recently lost a spouse or a close friend. This may encourage a healthy life and
prevent depression and isolation in seniors.
5. Identification of Isolated Seniors by Health Experts
Often family caregivers are the first to notice when their loved one feels socially isolated or if something
is affecting his or her personal life. However, family members may live separately from their loved one
and are unable to check his or her well-being.
If your loved one lives alone or feels lonely, the best thing to do is to hire a live-in caregiver. (City)
families should search for the best home care agencies to hire an expert senior care provider to help
their loved one by providing emotional support, help with nutrition, or maintaining social ties.