Helping Your Aging Parent Avoid Isolation This Summer

Elderly Care in Hamilton NJ

Isolation is a serious concern for aging adults. This separation from the world around them and the sense of being disconnected and no longer relevant can occur for a wide variety of reasons, Elderly-Care-in-Hamilton-NJincluding:

  • Physical limitations that make it difficult to get out of the house as often as they would like
  • No longer driving which limits what they can do and the activities that they can participate in from day to day
  • The loss of friends and family members who they once spent a considerable amount of time with
  • Changes in the dynamics of neighborhoods that make it less likely for people to associate with each other like they used to
  • Cognitive challenges and limitations that change the way that the senior is capable of interacting with others

 

Isolation is not just about feeling lonely. It can have much deeper, lasting effects on the person that can impact their overall health and wellbeing as they age. Seniors who deal with isolation are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and loss of motivation that can hasten the rate of physical decline as they get older. Finding ways to protect your parent from these feeling is an important part of giving them the healthiest, happiest, and safest quality of life possible as they age in place.

This summer, try some of these ideas for easing isolation and getting your parent more involved in the world around them:

  • Increase elderly care. The services of an elderly health care services provider are not just for the extremely old or those who are physically or cognitively incapable of any independence. In fact, these services can be invaluable to those who are still active and healthy but could just use a bit of extra support and care to live life to the fullest. When it comes to avoiding isolation this care provider can act as an extra person to interact with, as well as providing reliable transportation so that your parent can participate in more activities outside of the home.
  • Volunteer. Many people think of volunteering as something that they should do around the holidays, but the truth is there is need for volunteers at all times of the year. During the summer months your parent might find benefit and meaning in volunteering for emergency relief organizations helping those impacted by weather emergencies, at childcare centers, at animal shelters, cleaning up parks and other natural sites, and any number of other opportunities. Do this together for a boost to your relationship that you will value for years to come.
  • Further education. Get your parent out into the world and stretch their mind by encouraging them to take this summer to learn new things. Consult the local senior or community center about adult education courses that might interest your parent. Look for activities that tie in with the summer, such as swimming lessons, water aerobics, nature courses, or photography classes. These will not only give her the chance to learn and stimulate her mind in that way, but will also give her new people to interact with regularly.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring elderly care in Hamilton, NJ or the surrounding areas, please call Independence Home Care today at 609-208-1111 for more information.

Teresa Sajkowski RN BSN CHPN

Teresa Sajkowski RN BSN CHPN

Owner of Always Responsive Home Care

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Elderly Care in Hamilton NJ