Benefits of Companionship for Seniors

Author

HARMONY AT DIAMOND RIDGE

For more information about the author, click to view their website: https://www.harmonyseniorservices.com/senior-living/pa/moon-township/market-place-blvd/?utm_source=seniorbluebook&utm_medium=online&utm_campaign=generic

Posted on

Jul 30, 2024

Book/Edition

Pennsylvania - Greater Pittsburgh Area

As our loved ones grow older, the physical and mental benefits of companionship become more important than ever. It isn’t a surprise that isolation and loneliness can lead to negative effects on one's health and that the positive impacts of staying social for seniors is significant. Companionship for seniors prevents cognitive decline and provides helpful support during their retirement years so they do not feel alone. The dawning of a new year is a busy time for everyone between new resolutions, designating new priorities, and all of the fun activities that tend to keep us preoccupied. With all of these exciting distractions, it is important to remember your senior loved ones and provide them the companionship they need to stay mentally and socially engaged. Here are some cognitive and emotional benefits of senior companionship that will make your loved one live a happier life during their golden years!

Enjoy a longer, healthier life

Being around family and friends helps seniors feel connected as they continue to age and prevents the negative physical and emotional effects of social isolation. 

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) points out that “more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “social isolation was associated with about 50% increased risk of dementia and other serious medical conditions”. Senior living communities like Harmony Senior Services, allow senior residents to have the positive social aspect with associates, fellow residents, and visiting family and friends. Having that daily companionship in several different forms can prolong and enhance an individual's aging timeline.

Creating weekly routines

Routine companionship helps seniors consistently engage in social activities in their environment. Maintaining routines can create healthy patterns with events and responsibilities for seniors to plan and look forward to. Routines are known to change during the transition into a new year and can be confusing for seniors. It is important to establish new routines and activities that are focused on their interests! The more events a senior has on their social calendar with other residents or family, the more they will feel connected to their community. At Harmony Senior Services, senior residents have a full calendar of activities to keep them busy and build relationships with other residents. 

Staying safe in your space

As we age, the risk of falls, missed medications, lack of proper diet, and depression increase. More accidents and emergencies will start to arise and it is important for seniors to be safe in their home. In a senior living community, the benefits of companionship and daily support provide solutions to the risks of living alone and potentially needing additional assistance when scheduled in-home care may not be available. With Harmony Senior Services’ continuum of care, seniors are provided with care options that cater to their changing needs. 

Sense of belonging 

Senior living communities provide a sense of belonging and community that often get lost when seniors become isolated in their home. Harmony Senior Services is designed to connect residents with social interactions and a variety of group activities throughout the day. There are plenty of shared social spaces such as movie theaters, exercise areas, and activity rooms for friendships to grow. Residents can make new friends at a planned community event, during mealtime in the dining room, or outside on a relaxing walk. Seniors who live in assisted living communities do not have to feel isolated or alone!

There are plenty of opportunities for companionship at Harmony Senior Services. If your senior loved one is feeling isolated and needs help in this next transition of life, Harmony is here for you. Start the new year right with Harmony Senior Services and contact us today to learn more.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html

https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25663/social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults-opportunities-for-the

Other Articles You May Like

How to Prevent Hearing Loss for Musicians

Because of the nature of their work, musicians of all genres are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Additionally, being able to hear properly is vital to the musicians livelihood, from being able to hear the right notes and words to playing in the correct pitch and key. Without proper hearing protection, the loud sounds most musicians experience on stage and while playing their instrument can cause permanent damage to their hearing. Additionally, musicians are also at risk for developing tinnitus, or a ringing-in-the-ears sensation. Tinnitus can be present with or without hearing loss, and while not life-threatening, can seriously deteriorate the quality of life for an individual.Hearing protection for musiciansBoth custom and non-custom products are available for musicians to help prevent hearing loss. Wearing the right ear protection not only helps combat hearing loss, but can also help to prevent   tinnitus. Musician earplugs: These earplugs for made for musicians playing a variety of different types of instruments. Theyre available in several types of materials, from foam to a softer plastic, and enable the musician to still hear the music being performed. These earplugs are also beneficial for concert-goers to protect their hearing while still enjoying the music. Electronic earplugs: These earplugs are electronic and can be programmed to adjust to different pitches and sounds depending on the loudness and environment the musician is in. These adaptive earplugs allow musicians to hear the sounds that are important, while filtering out damaging noise levels. In-ear monitors: These high-tech devices are used by musicians or audio-engineer professionals and deliver sound to the ear while creating a barrier to background and damaging noise levels. In-ear monitors are available in custom or universal options. Who Can Benefit from Musician Earplugs?Musician earplugs and protection arent simply designed for individuals in a band, they can actually be beneficial to a number of different people, including: Students in the school band or orchestra Music teachers or conductors Concert or festival attendees Nightclub workers or patrons Entertainment industry staff Finding the right ear protectionFinding the right ear protection is vital for musicians to not only perform their jobs, but also prevent hearing loss. If you need additional information or assistance in purchasing musicians earplugs consider visiting a hearing professional near you. A hearing specialist will be able to evaluate your wants and ensure you find the right product for your specific needs.

Impacts of Untreated Hearing Loss

Many people are aware theyre suffering from hearing loss, but find it difficult to get help. Those who have been diagnosed with hearing loss wait, on average, seven years before seeking treatment. The reasons for waiting on help vary; some are frustrated by hearing loss, believing it to be a sign of aging. Others think their condition isnt that severe or may not even realize they have hearing problems.Unfortunately, allowing hearing loss to remain untreated can lead to some serious consequences. The most recent studies highlight the social, psychological, cognitive and health effects of untreated hearing loss. These effects can vary as well, but all have serious impacts on your quality of life.The emotional effects of untreated hearing lossStudies have linked untreated hearing loss to a number of emotional health conditions, including: Irritability, negativism and anger Fatigue, tension, stress and depression Avoidance or withdrawal from social situations Social rejection and loneliness Reduced alertness and increased risk to personal safety When you have hearing loss, you may experience difficulty following conversations in a group setting. Due to this problem, youre more likely to socially withdraw from visits with friends and family, which, over time, leads to depression and anxiety. The prospect of being immersed in a work meeting or large gathering, where numerous conversations will occur, can leave you feeling anxious.Untreated hearing loss and cognitive declineIn addition to the impacts on your emotional wellbeing, untreated hearing loss can also affect your cognitive health. When your ability to hear declines, your brain receives less stimulation than it typically would because its not working to identify different sounds and nuances. Over time, this lack of exercise for your brain can lead to memory loss or even dementia. Think of your brain in the same way you think of your body; if you work out the different muscle groups of your body, you remain healthy overall. However, if you instead only focused on one specific area, the other parts of your body become weaker. This is how untreated hearing loss impacts your brain. The portion of your brain responsible for transmitting sound becomes weaker, making memory loss more likely.Benefits of wearing a hearing aidTreating your hearing loss is the first step toward a healthier, happier life. Wearing a hearing aid can enrich your life and reopen many doors that may have closed for you over the years. Other benefits of treating your hearing loss with hearing aids include: Hearing your grandchilds first words Hearing nature again Feeling safer in cities Attending dinners in noisy environments Enjoying parties and understanding conversation How to get helpHearing loss isnt age-specific; it can affect everyone, from babies to adults and seniors. The best way to know how to get help is to schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist. He or she will be able to help determine the type and degree of hearing loss you have. From there, the hearing care professional will be able to suggest a type and style of hearing aid that can help you begin to live a happier, more fulfilled life.If you think you or a loved one suffers from hearing loss, dont delay another day. Visit a hearing healthcare professional and take the first step toward a world of better hearing.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss looks different on everyone. It can come on suddenly and cause permanent damage and it can gradually occur and make it difficult to identify. It even ranges from mild to profound and may vary across different pitches and frequencies. This is why Beltone Sound conducts a series of hearing tests before prescribing a solution. Our hearing aid specialists need to understand the unique nature of your hearing loss in order to match you with the best products possible.One of the most significant answers hearing tests can provide is whether your hearing loss can be categorized as conductive, sensorineural or mixed. This helps establish a foundation for the symptoms you are experiencing and helps determine the ideal solution. Conductive Hearing LossConductive hearing loss may be characterized by sounds that are muffled or far too quiet. It occurs when theres an issue with the way that sound is taken to the inner ear and a structure called the cochlea. This type of problem can be indicative of an issue with your ear canal, middle ear or eardrum.There are several potential causes of conductive hearing loss, including: Ear infections in the outer or middle ear Severe earwax blockage Deterioration of the middle ear bones Other problems with inner ear components If you have conductive hearing loss, it may be temporary or permanent. Conducting a full hearing test with a professional is the only way to make that determination.Sensorineural Hearing LossPeople with sensorineural hearing loss may struggle to discern speech from background noises and suffer from tinnitus. This type of hearing loss is caused by a problem with the sensory receptors in the hearing system. Its often the result of an abnormality or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea, which can prevent sounds from being transmitted to the brain properly. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent.Sensorineural hearing loss can be a congenital condition in that its existed since birth. But it can also be caused by age or damage to the hair cells in the cochlea through infection, drugs, trauma or over-exposure to noise.Mixed Hearing LossFinally, its also possible for you to be experiencing mixed hearing loss. This means that you have an issue with both your inner and outer ear components. Its a diagnosis of co-occurring sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.The best way to find out what type of hearing loss you have is to schedule an appointment. Our hearing aid specialists will evaluate your hearing system through tests and let you know what your best path forward is based on the results.

Local Services By This Author

Harmony at Diamond Ridge

Independent Living 3301 Market Place Boulevard, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, 15108

Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is designed so residents can live the lives they choose in a beautiful, enriching, and supportive environment. Our associates embody the ideals we hold so dear, such as genuine warmth, deep courtesy toward each other in a community that celebrates all the possibilities. Our stylish community provides the ideal springboard to all the pleasures of our picturesque city, with spacious, maintenance-free apartment homes, restaurant style dining, and plentiful resources for staying fit and feeling good. This is the place to live your best life.Comfort. Easy elegance. Irresistible cuisine. Friends and family. These are the elements that make a person feel at home, and they are the very essence of everyday senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge. Our senior living community offers spacious apartments and a rich menu of services and amenities, perfect for those who are ready to expand their horizons. Our friendly community offers residents unrivaled access to everything our picturesque city has to offer, from a short drive to The Mall at Robinson or enjoy an afternoon at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Within our spacious community, spend the day your way with morning yoga and afternoon art classes followed by an evening conversation with friends over wine and cheese. Come see all that good living can be.Senior Living Apartments in Moon TownshipMaking a change is never easy, but we think you will love life in our stunning senior living community, Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Our Independent Living community features gorgeous one bedroom apartments sized from 670 to 890 square feet and two bedroom apartments ranging in size from 940 to 1,310 square feet. Featuring full-size kitchens with stainless-steel appliances and chic granite countertops, our sunny apartments are bathed in light and feature breathtaking mountain views.  The Harmony at Diamond Ridge Dining ExperienceDining at Harmony at Diamond Ridge provides a delicious journey into the bounty of fresh ingredients available to us year-round.   Our executive chef and culinary team prepares elegant meals every day, filled with flavor, enjoyable and nutritious. Enjoy a lovely dinner in our sophisticated dining room or grab a snack in the bistro after your morning exercise class. Great dining experiences play an essential role in our community, offering opportunities to get to know your neighbors, share the news of the day and celebrate special occasions. What could be more enticing than catching the aroma of freshly baked cookies or the intoxicating whiff of a holiday meal as you relax in front of the fire? Nothing says home better than a fine meal among friends and family.Our chef designs each menu to celebrate new flavors while honoring the favorite recipes our residents have come to know and love, helping delight even the most selective diners. Residents of Personal Care enjoy three chef-inspired meals per day along with an in-home kitchenette, perfect for preparing a quiet snack or a cup of morning coffee. Residents of our Independent Living enjoy one chef-inspired meal daily included in their rent, as well as their own full-size kitchen designed for daily cooking. Residents are welcome to add more meals to their plan as needed. Peruse our sample menu, and join us for brunch or a special event at Harmony at Diamond Ridge.Services & Amenities at Harmony at Diamond RidgeBeautifully designed accommodations set the bar high for distinctive senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge in , Pennsylvania, but its our services and amenities that really set us apart. The advantages begin with our stunning location, close to the natural beauty of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the superior health care services of the PAM medical system, and go-to shopping destinations like ALDI, Target Grocery, and The Mall at Robinson. Our community offers amenities reminiscent of a fine resort, with an onsite fitness center, restaurant-style dining, organized activities, and a friendly team available around the clock to answer your call. Scroll down our long list of advantages and get in touch for a tour.Independent LivingAir Conditioning Move In Assistance Wi-Fi Available Custom Lighting Private Balcony Laundry Service High Ceilings Smoke-Free Private Patio Garbage DisposalTrash ServiceIn-Home Washer and Dryer Weekly Housekeeping Dishwasher Microwave Ceiling FansRefrigerator Full KitchenStainless-Steel AppliancesEnergy Efficient AppliancesKitchenette You have earned every moment of your free time, and at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, we want to make sure you can spend it exactly as you wish. Our monthly calendar of events and activities offers so much more than a way to pass the time. Residents and our Life Enrichment Director work together to create diverse, engaging, and stimulating opportunities for physical wellbeing, intellectual vigor, and pure, simple fun. Take part in seminars offering the latest and most relevant wisdom regarding senior health, join discussions of current events, enjoy cooking demonstrations, arts exploration, and so much more. You or your loved one will also enjoy a variety of off-campus activities. Dip into the local arts scene, sample the latest hot spot for lunch, or visit the Clever Park for a stroll. There is a lot to love about life in and Harmony at Diamond Ridge is the ideal home base.Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a personal tour!

Harmony at Diamond Ridge

Memory Care 3301 Market Place Boulevard, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, 15108

Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is designed so residents can live the lives they choose in a beautiful, enriching, and supportive environment. Our associates embody the ideals we hold so dear, such as genuine warmth, deep courtesy toward each other in a community that celebrates all the possibilities. Our stylish community provides the ideal springboard to all the pleasures of our picturesque city, with spacious, maintenance-free apartment homes, restaurant style dining, and plentiful resources for staying fit and feeling good. This is the place to live your best life.Memory Care Harmony at Diamond RidgeCaring for a loved one living with Alzheimers Disease or another form of dementia can be overwhelming and have a profound effect on everyone in your family. Our Memory Care neighborhood in Harmony at Diamond Ridge features all the best elements of home, combined with the 24/7 support of our highly trained, compassionate family of caregivers. And because we know that people live happier, more fulfilled lives when they are recognized and celebrated for the individuals they are, we make sure every resident gets the specialized attention they deserve. Our industry-leading caregiver-to-resident ratio ensures that every senior who makes Harmony at Diamond Ridge their home is continually supported in an environment created to bring warmth, light, and connection to every moment.  In our Memory Care neighborhood residents enjoy a private, home-like atmosphere with warm finishes and large, easy-to-navigate bathrooms. Senior Living, EnrichedOur Harmony Square Memory Care neighborhood blossoms in a loving environment, exemplified by our Signature Memory Care Program Reflections. Reflections is a Family-Focused Art and Music Centered Memory Care Program that engages the resident's present-day experiences while stimulating positive memories through therapeutic visual and tactile aids. Caring for our memory care residents like they truly are our family sets our memory care apart.Reflections - 5 Key ComponentsFamily FocusedWellnessReflections Program- Echoes in Time - Art Therapy- Rhythms Music TherapyDining with DignityHarmony Square NeighborhoodThe peace of mind, comfort, and convenience that come with individualized support and services provided by loving and caring staff are the foundation of our Personal Care and Memory Care programs. Its amazing how a little bit of help can restore energy and improve wellbeing. At Harmony at Diamond Ridge, we appreciate the importance of family and look forward to bringing our families together. Feel engaged, relaxed, and safe as a member of our vibrant community.Contact us today to learn more.

Harmony at Diamond Ridge

Assisted Living 3301 Market Place Boulevard, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, 15108

Harmony at Diamond Ridge in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is designed so residents can live the lives they choose in a beautiful, enriching, and supportive environment. Our associates embody the ideals we hold so dear, such as genuine warmth, deep courtesy toward each other in a community that celebrates all the possibilities. Our stylish community provides the ideal springboard to all the pleasures of our picturesque city, with spacious, maintenance-free apartment homes, restaurant style dining, and plentiful resources for staying fit and feeling good. This is the place to live your best life.Comfort. Easy elegance. Irresistible cuisine. Friends and family. These are the elements that make a person feel at home, and they are the very essence of everyday senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge. Our senior living community offers spacious apartments and a rich menu of services and amenities, perfect for those who are ready to expand their horizons. Our friendly community offers residents unrivaled access to everything our picturesque city has to offer, from a short drive to The Mall at Robinson or enjoy an afternoon at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Within our spacious community, spend the day your way with morning yoga and afternoon art classes followed by an evening conversation with friends over wine and cheese. Come see all that good living can be.Personal Care Harmony at Diamond RidgeTheres a lot to experience at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, and our Personal Care community in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to helping you and your loved one find the most joy in what each day has to offer. Our caring staff works together with you and your family to create an individualized service plan based on a comprehensive assessment. We cater to the whole person, meeting such needs as assistance with medications, scheduling health care appointments, or offering a friendly escort to meals and activities.Spacious, Comfortable ApartmentsThe Personal Care apartments and companion suites at Harmony at Diamond Ridge are sized to fit your unique lifestyle, ranging from cozy, sunlit studios to airy two bedroom apartments. The living is easy and comfortable with large bathrooms, generous storage, and available kitchenettes. Best of all, we take care of the housekeeping and laundry, so you can spend your time doing the things you really love, surrounded by the people who most make you happy. One monthly fee covers rent for your living space, delicious restaurant-style dining, an exciting calendar of events, and the support needed to enjoy it all. View our gallery to take a closer look at Harmony at Diamond Ridge.   In our Personal Care neighborhood at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, comfort reigns with charming studio suites sized from 330 to 350 square feet, one bedroom apartments from 450 to 730 square feet, and two bedroom apartments up to 950 square feet. The Harmony at Diamond Ridge Dining ExperienceDining at Harmony at Diamond Ridge provides a delicious journey into the bounty of fresh ingredients available to us year-round.   Our executive chef and culinary team prepares elegant meals every day, filled with flavor, enjoyable and nutritious. Enjoy a lovely dinner in our sophisticated dining room or grab a snack in the bistro after your morning exercise class. Great dining experiences play an essential role in our community, offering opportunities to get to know your neighbors, share the news of the day and celebrate special occasions. What could be more enticing than catching the aroma of freshly baked cookies or the intoxicating whiff of a holiday meal as you relax in front of the fire? Nothing says home better than a fine meal among friends and family.Our chef designs each menu to celebrate new flavors while honoring the favorite recipes our residents have come to know and love, helping delight even the most selective diners. Residents of Personal Care enjoy three chef-inspired meals per day along with an in-home kitchenette, perfect for preparing a quiet snack or a cup of morning coffee. Residents of our Independent Living enjoy one chef-inspired meal daily included in their rent, as well as their own full-size kitchen designed for daily cooking. Residents are welcome to add more meals to their plan as needed. Peruse our sample menu, and join us for brunch or a special event at Harmony at Diamond Ridge.Services & Amenities at Harmony at Diamond RidgeBeautifully designed accommodations set the bar high for distinctive senior living at Harmony at Diamond Ridge but its our services and amenities that really set us apart. The advantages begin with our stunning location, close to the natural beauty of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, the superior health care services of the PAM medical system, and go-to shopping destinations like ALDI, Target Grocery, and The Mall at Robinson. Our community offers amenities reminiscent of a fine resort, with an onsite fitness center, restaurant-style dining, organized activities, and a friendly team available around the clock to answer your call. Scroll down our long list of advantages and get in touch for a tour.Personal CareBeautiful, Spacious ApartmentsMultiple Floor Plan OptionsAssistance with Activities of Daily LivingDelicious & Nutritious Meals Prepared by an Executive ChefRestaurant-Style DiningHousekeeping & Laundry ServicesTransportation to Shopping & Medical Appointments You have earned every moment of your free time, and at Harmony at Diamond Ridge, we want to make sure you can spend it exactly as you wish. Our monthly calendar of events and activities offers so much more than a way to pass the time. Residents and our Life Enrichment Director work together to create diverse, engaging, and stimulating opportunities for physical wellbeing, intellectual vigor, and pure, simple fun. Take part in seminars offering the latest and most relevant wisdom regarding senior health, join discussions of current events, enjoy cooking demonstrations, arts exploration, and so much more. You or your loved one will also enjoy a variety of off-campus activities. Dip into the local arts scene, sample the latest hot spot for lunch, or visit the Clever Park for a stroll. There is a lot to love about life and Harmony at Diamond Ridge is the ideal home base.Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a personal tour!