Companion Care at Home in Addison IL
One of the most common reasons that seniors find themselves aging in place alone is because they lose a spouse or partner and are suddenly alone. There’s a phenomenon called “the widowhood effect,” in which seniors who have experienced a loss of a spouse pass away soon after. For friends and family members, avoiding this widowhood effect is a massive goal. Companion care at home is an easy way to give seniors the support they need during this potentially worrying time.
What Is the Widowhood Effect?
There are other terms for the widowhood effect, like “broken heart syndrome.” The idea for all of these terms is the same, though. The concern is that the remaining senior is now more likely to pass away because of the grief they’re experiencing. While some people believe that one gender is more likely to experience the widowhood effect than the other, that isn’t accurate. This is an issue that everyone should be concerned about.
Take Care of Household Concerns
After a loss, it can be immensely helpful for seniors to have some help managing household issues. Home care providers can assist with light household tasks, meal preparation, and keeping track of how seniors are doing. Elder care providers can also help seniors to get back to the routines that keep them healthy and happy, even as they cope with the changes in their lives.
Practice Solid Self-care Habits
Self-care is so difficult during periods of grieving. Seniors who have experienced significant loss may no longer eat when they should, sleep when they should, or engage in personal hygiene tasks. That can be a normal side effect of depression and grief, but it’s not helpful for overall well-being. Companion care at home can help seniors to have something to look forward to, inspiring them to practice self-care.
Focus on Physical Health
Paying closer attention to physical health is especially important during this time. Seniors should keep up with their doctor’s appointments and any treatments for chronic health issues. Neglecting these types of activities can make the physical effects of stress and grief worse for seniors. If seniors spent a lot of time as a caregiver for the loved one they lost, they may have neglected their own physical health.
Ramp Up Social Support
After a loss, many people want to be alone with their grief. While that’s understandable, loneliness and isolation are extremely dangerous for aging adults who live alone. Working through some of their feelings with a therapist can be helpful, but it’s also really helpful to just have companion caregivers or friends and family members around.
Stay Busy
Especially if seniors were caregivers or were busy with other tasks, they might find that suddenly they have a lot of free time they don’t know how to manage. This can leave them feeling lost and unsure how to spend their time. Working with companion care at home can help seniors to find new hobbies and try new things, which can help them to stay busy and fill their time with meaningful activities.
Grief is so difficult to manage, especially for seniors. Spending time with companion care at home opens up some new avenues for supporting seniors as they try to avoid the widowhood effect after a loss.
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Companion Care at Home in Addison, 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.
