February is National Mend A Broken Heart Month, a good time for family and friends to help a grieving loved one. While only time can mend a broken heart, the longer a senior grieves the more chance there is they will become lonely and isolated. And that can impact their physical health as well as their mental health. Loneliness among seniors has been called an epidemic because it’s so common, especially for seniors that have lost a partner or spouse. But seniors can avoid loneliness while they are grieving by doing these things:
Rely on Companion Care At Home
Companion care at home gives seniors the opportunity to connect with someone and have a friend that they can depend on. When seniors have companion care at home a companion visits regularly and can go with seniors to shop or run errands, go out to meals with them, take them to events or even go do things like see movies. Just having someone there to talk with and do activities with can make a big difference for seniors who are alone.
Leave The House Once A Week At Least
Seniors who are trying to mend a broken heart should commit to leaving the house at least once a week. That might be a lot for your senior parent if they are used to being isolated. But it’s a good start to get them back out in the world again and interacting with people again regularly. Seniors can go out for coffee, go for a walk, volunteer, or do anything that will get them out of the house at least once a week.
Get A Pet
Adopting a pet could change your senior parent’s life for the better. Pets are wonderful companions for seniors, especially senior pets who don’t have the same intense energy level that a younger pet would have. And with the help of companion care at home, your senior loved one can easily manage taking care of a pet. Seniors who have pets get the physical and mental health benefits that can only come from being surrounded by unconditional love and having a purpose and something to love again. Talk to your senior parent about adopting a senior pet and see if they like the idea.
Join An Exercise Class
Another great way that seniors can prevent loneliness and rejoin the world is to take an exercise class. Physical movement is fantastic for seniors and most seniors don’t get enough movement or activity. An exercise class like a swimming class or dance class will give seniors the chance to make friends, socialize, and get an hour or so of activity. Your senior parent may find a new love of exercise and movement that will help them physically and emotionally be healthier. Look at the local YMCA or at the local senior center for exercise classes that are designed specifically for the unique needs of seniors.
If you are considering companion care at home in Hunter’s Creek, 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.
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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