Companion Care at Home in Medinah IL
One of the biggest health risks that seniors who live alone face isn’t one you might expect. It’s loneliness. Loneliness can actually have a big impact on your mom or dad’s physical and mental health. Studies show that being lonely can increase a senior’s risk of dementia, heart disease, and other health problems. It can also make seniors more likely to develop mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Companion care at home can help protect your mom or dad from loneliness. Even if you are visiting your senior parent as often as you can, that might not be enough. Regular visits from a companion through companion care at home services can boost your mom or dad’s health and help them be happier at home.
Some of the reasons why your mom or dad is lonely at home won’t surprise you, but some of them might. It can be difficult for seniors to talk about their feelings with their adult children so you might not know if one of these reasons is making your mom or dad lonely:
1. Loss of a Spouse
Losing a spouse can be one of the hardest things for a senior to go through. After spending years or even decades together, it’s difficult to adjust to living alone.
The daily companionship they once had is now gone. This loss often leaves a void that can’t easily be filled, making home feel empty and lonely. If your mom or dad has lost a spouse recently, they may be lonelier than they are letting on.
2. Children Living Far Away
If you and your siblings don’t live near your parent, your mom or dad could be lonely and feeling isolated from the rest of the family. Visits help, but your mom or dad needs more than just seeing you a few times each year to feel connected.
Seniors may miss family gatherings, the laughter of their grandchildren, and the feeling of closeness. This distance can make a senior feel disconnected from family, adding to loneliness. Even if you call regularly and visit as often as you can, if you can’t see your senior parent often they may be lonely at home.
3. Friends Passing Away or Moving
As people age, they may lose close friends due to illness, death, or relocation. Your mom or dad also may not have had the time to make a lot of friends while they were working.
This shrinking social circle limits their opportunities to share stories, laughs, or even a cup of coffee. The loss of these friendships can be very isolating, as it becomes harder to meet new people with similar life experiences. Without their long-time friends, many seniors feel more alone.
4. Limited Mobility or Health Issues
Health issues often make it harder for seniors to leave the house. Conditions like arthritis, vision problems, or balance issues may prevent them from getting out and about.
This limited mobility can keep them from going to social gatherings, clubs, or even a friend’s house. The inability to go out and engage with others can increase feelings of loneliness and isolation. Online chat groups, book clubs, and social gathering can help fill in the gaps and help your mom or dad find new friends that they can talk to without having to leave the house.
5. Lack of Purpose or Daily Structure
When seniors retire or stop daily routines, they may feel a loss of purpose. Without work, hobbies, or regular social engagements, each day can feel long and empty. Many seniors thrive on structure, but without it, they may spend hours alone, leading to boredom and loneliness.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Companion Care at Home in Medinah, 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.
