Socialization is important to your mental and physical health. People who socialize regularly have been found to gain benefits like a stronger immune system and a lowered risk of depression. The CDC shares a few alarming statistics about loneliness and isolation.
- Loneliness and isolation may increase the risk of dementia by 50%.
- The stroke risk increases by 32%.
- The risk of heart disease increases by 29%.
- Isolation and loneliness are just as detrimental as smoking or obesity.
- The suicide risk increases in people who feel isolated.
- People with heart disease who are isolated or lonely have a 68% higher risk of hospitalization.
As your mom gets older, she spends more time at home and her social outings aren’t as frequent. After retirement, it’s common for work friendships to become more distant as people move to new areas to be closer to family, in a warmer area, or in a place with a lower cost of living.
You worry about her always being alone. While you spend as much time visiting your mom as you can, you have work responsibilities, children, and friends you need to fit into your weekly plans. Did you know that senior home care can help improve your mom’s social life?
Your Mom Makes New Friends
Each caregiver who works with your mom becomes a friend. Your mom has someone to join on walks, watch movies with, or talk to. She no longer has to eat alone as her caregiver can cook meals for her and sit with her at the table.
You can have a senior care aide stop by once a week, a few times a week, or every day. During those visits, her caregiver is there for socialization, but there are the added benefits of having help with housekeeping and laundry.
Her Confidence Grows
As she gets used to spending time with new people, she gains confidence in her ability to socialize. The more confident she is, the braver she is at trying new things. You might find her wanting to start volunteering or joining community groups and clubs.
That confidence boost is good for your mom’s mental health. It makes her feel valued and appreciated. All of this continues to help her expand her comfort zones and meet others.
Senior Home Care Provides the Socialization That Your Mom’s Missing
Senior home care providers offer regular chances to get out and explore the community. Your mom doesn’t have to drive, she has a caregiver available for rides to museum events, theater performances, socials at a local senior center, and community center clubs and classes. Your mom has her caregiver with her if she needs the boost of confidence walking in and registering.
Make sure your mom has the support she needs at home and when out running errands or enjoying a day out. Senior home care services like companionship are essential in helping her stay socially active, even as her abilities change. Call a senior home care agency with your questions.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html#
If you are considering senior home care in Henderson, NV, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.
Our caregivers and staff members treat our clients, residents, and their families with the utmost respect. Our focus is to provide the highest quality of care and service with compassion and dignity.
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