Loneliness has been an issue for seniors who live independently for a long time, but the Covid-19 pandemic made loneliness even worse for seniors. A researcher from the University of Michigan tracked the habits of people over 55 since the pandemic and found that 60% of them spend more time at home than they did before the pandemic.
Even seniors who were physically well enough to go to restaurants, social events, or group activities are choosing not to because of the risks of getting the flu or Covid-19. That is causing seniors who are living at home to be lonelier than ever.
Companion care at home is a great option for seniors who are lonely at home but either don’t want to go out or have a hard time getting out. With companion care at home your mom or dad will get regular social visits from a care provider who is there just to do activities, play games, share meals, and talk with your senior parent.
Seniors that have companion care at home have a lower risk of the negative health affects associated with loneliness like:
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Issues
Loneliness has been linked to higher rates of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke in seniors. Chronic loneliness can contribute to stress and inflammation, which negatively affect cardiovascular health.
If your mom or dad already struggles with cardiovascular issues you should look into companion care at home for them to prevent their health from getting worse.
Weakened Immune System
Persistent loneliness can impair the immune system, which can make your mom or dad more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Reduced social interactions can lead to increased stress, which weakens immune responses and overall health.
Mental Health Decline
Loneliness is strongly associated with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Social isolation can exacerbate feelings of sadness and hopelessness and contribute to a decrease in cognitive function and memory.
If you live far away and you can’t visit your mom or dad often companion care at home can lower the risk that your senior parent will develop depression or anxiety related to being alone.
Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline
Chronic loneliness and social isolation are linked to a higher risk of developing cognitive disorders like dementia. Social engagement is crucial for cognitive stimulation, and its absence can accelerate cognitive decline.
If your mom or dad has dementia, Parkinson’s, or other conditions that can cause cognitive decline companion care at home is a good way to help protect their cognitive skills for as long as possible.
Poor Physical Health
Loneliness can lead to a lack of motivation to engage in self-care or physical activity. This can result in a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and neglect of health routines, which in turn can contribute to various physical health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and general frailty.
Call to learn more about companion care at home for seniors now. Your mom or dad could already be suffering from the effects of loneliness and isolation.
Source:
https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/04/09/epidemic-loneliness-how-pandemic-changed-life-aging-adults
If you are considering companion care at home in The Heights, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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