Companion Care at Home in Villa Park IL
One of the biggest challenges for seniors living alone isn’t mobility or the risk of falls, it’s loneliness. When seniors choose to stay in their homes as they age they can get a lot of benefits from that decision, but they also need to deal with the threat of loneliness.
Even if you live near enough to your senior parent to visit them often that may not be enough social engagement to prevent them from being lonely. And being lonely can seriously impact your senior parent’s physical health as well as their mental health.
Companion care at home is a wonderful way to make sure that your senior parent isn’t lonely. If your senior parent has companion care at home they will get regular visits from a companion who will spend quality time with your senior parent.
A companion can share meals and conversations with your senior parent. They can also help encourage your senior parent to try new activities, play games, and engage with the world socially.
If your senior parent doesn’t get enough social interaction, they could develop physical health problems associated with loneliness like:
Weakened Immune System
When a person feels lonely for a long time, their immune system can stop working as well as it should. The immune system is the body’s way of fighting off illnesses, from the common cold to more serious infections.
Studies have shown that people who feel lonely often have more inflammation in their bodies, which can make it harder to stay healthy. Seniors with weakened immune systems may take longer to heal from sicknesses or may get sick more often.
High Blood Pressure
Loneliness can also increase stress levels. When the body is under stress, it releases certain hormones that can raise blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, puts strain on the heart and arteries.
Over time, this can lead to heart disease, stroke, or kidney problems. Seniors who feel isolated may have higher blood pressure without realizing it, especially if they are not going to regular doctor visits or managing their health closely.
Heart Disease
The heart is especially affected by emotional stress. Loneliness can cause feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety, all of which can put extra pressure on the heart.
Research has shown that seniors who feel socially disconnected are at a greater risk of heart attacks and other heart problems. Lack of social interaction can also lead to unhealthy habits like poor eating, lack of exercise, or smoking, which make heart disease more likely.
Sleep Problems
Lonely people often have trouble sleeping well. They may have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested in the morning. Poor sleep affects the entire body. It can lower energy, slow healing, and increase the risk of falls and injuries. Over time, lack of sleep can also lead to memory problems and make it harder for seniors to take care of themselves.
Chronic Pain and Fatigue
Seniors who are lonely may notice more aches and pains in their bodies. Emotional stress can cause muscle tension, which leads to headaches, back pain, and joint stiffness. Loneliness can also make existing health issues feel worse.
On top of that, many lonely people experience fatigue, or constant tiredness, which makes it harder to move, exercise, or enjoy activities.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Companion Care at Home in Villa Park, IL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care – Lombard Today At (630) 313-6160.
Assisting Hands Home Care – Lombard Provides Exceptional Home Care For Seniors In Elmhurst, IL And The Surrounding Areas.
