Lifestyle

How To Help Seniors Who Are Feeling Lonely

How To Help Seniors

Published on November 3rd, 2022

As we get older, our social circle often shrinks. Children and grandchildren have commitments such as work, and other friends and family might be less able to visit due to health issues, which become more common with age.

Sadly, some of our friends and family will also have passed away, and this can be especially difficult if it is a spouse or companion who we have come to rely on. If you are worried about a senior who is showing signs of loneliness, here are some ways you can help.

Use A Rota System For Companionship

If you have a senior relative who is lonely, it can be helpful for the family to come up with a rota system for visits.

This ensures the senior has a social life and is able to interact with different people on a regular basis.

The rota system doesn’t just have to include family members, it could also include friends or any home help they have such as cleaners or healthcare assistants.

The main thing is knowing that there will be regular visitors to the home, so your loved one has enough human contact.

Assisted Living

Sometimes loved ones can be isolated due to their location. Even if family members live close by, once a commute has been factored in, it might not be possible for them to visit as often as they’d like.

In cases like this a move to an assisted living facility can be a good option. Not only does it ensure there are people on hand to keep the senior company, but it can also be reassuring to family members by offering peace of mind that your loved one is not alone.

Many assisted living facilities also offer the chance for seniors to mingle with their peers to play games such as bingo or take part in quizzes, which not only ensures that are socializing but also helps keeps their brains active and engaged.

Places like this Princeton assisted living facility offer expert care and a wonderful environment for your loved one to enjoy their golden years.

Use Technology

We are fortunate to live in a modern world where communication is constantly moving forward.

Facetime and Zoom are popular ways for people to get in touch with loved ones who live a long distance away and many seniors can utilize these technological advances.

If your loved one isn’t able to use them independently, perhaps a family member or friend could assist so they are able to stay in touch with people who can’t regularly visit.

It can be upsetting to think of a senior loved one feeling lonely, but by using some of the techniques above, you can ensure they are getting the amount of human interaction they need to stay happy and healthy.

If you are concerned about the mental health of a loved one, seek advice from a medical professional who will be able to offer guidance for their personal circumstance.

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