Seniors who live alone and don’t venture out into the community are often at higher risk for developing health problems and depression. Isolation is a serious health issue for seniors. Lonely seniors have greater incidences of obesity, cardiac disease, high blood pressure, depression, and diabetes than their more social peers.
Below are some ways to prevent factors that lead to isolation, courtesy of Champion Brevard Home Health Care, based in Melbourne, FL.
The elderly become isolated for many reasons:
Transportation: When seniors have to limit their driving or give it up altogether, access to safe and reliable transportation can be a problem. It can force older adults to remain at home since public transportation can seem daunting and inconvenient, and taxis can be expensive and may not fit into their budgets.
Finances: Many seniors live on fixed incomes. Going out to eat, shopping, golfing or going to the movies may not fit into their budgets. This can cause them to stay home, causing them to miss out on social interaction.
Mobility: Seniors can become isolated is because of mobility problems. If they can’t physically get around, they are much more likely to stay at home.
Loss: Seniors become isolated as their social circle grows smaller. Their children move, and their friends and neighbors might pass away. This leaves seniors with fewer people to spend their time with and lose out on much needed social interaction.
Prevent isolation by identifying risk factors, and then take steps to overcome them
Transportation: Most communities offer some form of public transportation. Educate your elderly loved ones on the most convenient bus routes and inform them about the bus schedules.
Visitor Programs: Get friendly faces to regularly visit seniors, which can be done through certain volunteer programs. If there is family in the area encourage them to visit!
Chat: Skype and other chat programs help keep seniors interactive, even when their friends and family do not live close by.
Organizations: Senior centers are a resource for older adults, especially those on a fixed income. Here they can socialize with other seniors and have some fun while they’re at it!
Types of care we offer at Champion Home Health Care include 24-hour care, wound healing, medication management, infusions, hospice support, fall prevention, surgery recovery, pre- and post-operative care, diabetes monitoring, and Alzheimer’s / dementia specialists.
Champion Home Health Care has been working in Brevard County for years and is experienced with providing expert care. We have a wonderful reputation for our services.
We are dedicated to finding the perfect caregiver to fit our clients’ needs and personality. Let us prove to you how Champion Home Health Care can better the lives of your loved ones.
