Combating Social Isolation Through Engagement

Author

HomeWell Care Services

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Homewell

Posted on

Jul 21, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

Share This

In life, one guarantee comes with aging – change! As we age, circumstances in our lives often change. Children grow up and may move away; we retire from our jobs; friends may move away; vision may change and worsen over time, which may make us unable to safely drive; we may require more medications to regulate issues such as high blood pressure and with these medications we may have increased dizziness or become less steady on our feet than we once were. When these changes happen, we often do not realize how much it affects our ability to remain connected to our friends and loved ones, which very often leads to social isolation.

A senior’s overall health can also be impacted by the effects of isolation and its accompanying feelings of loneliness. Senior isolation and loneliness are more than just a social problem, they are serious public health issues. Research has linked loneliness to increased mortality rate comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

For those that are isolated or experience loneliness, studies show higher rates of:
  • chronic health issues such as heart diseases, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues,
  • overall weakened immune system,
  • Alzheimer’s and dementia,
  • admissions to long-term care facilities such as a nursing home, and
  • even death.

Human beings are communal by nature and we do not do well in isolation. We need someone to hold our hand, to listen to our stories, to enjoy a meal together and to just spend time with us. These are nothing more than basic needs.

This is where HomeWell comes into play. Home care is not just for assistance with activities of daily living, but it also offers human companionship that is so essential for a healthy life. Studies show that people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. These activities seem to help maintain their well-being and may improve their cognitive function.

This is why we’ve created our Life Enrichment Activities Program or LEAP. This program is designed to offer socialization and engagement activities for all of our clients. With LEAP, we can encourage our clients to experience new things, to enjoy what they once missed or to continue to do what they love to do, but now with the safety and companionship of their dedicated HomeWell caregiver.

LEAP enhances the home care experience with activities designed to eliminate boredom and vastly improve quality of life. Our thorough assessment of each client’s abilities allows us to provide enrichment opportunities for any client, regardless of limitations. LEAP is designed to benefit anyone who may need some extra engagement and support, ensuring each client has the opportunity to participate in activities and hobbies that bring them joy.

LEAP activities can include:

  • Learning new skills
  • Visiting local attractions
  • Playing cards, board games or solving puzzles
  • Gardening, going for walks or bird watching
  • Beauty salon or spa visits
  • Cooking or baking
  • Shopping excursions
  • Attending sporting events or concerts
  • Trips to museums, art shows or special events

We all need social connections to thrive. Seeing another person’s face is a powerful way to connect. If you or someone you love is experiencing social isolation and accompanying feelings of loneliness that can often come with aging, contact your nearest HomeWell location for more information on how a HomeWell Care Manager can tailor a plan specific to you or your loved one’s needs.

Other Articles You May Like

HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX Shines Our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!

This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

Talking To Your Parents About Senior Living: Why Choose Sooner Rather Than Later?

Transitioning to senior living can be an intimidating prospect for many seniors. If you are a family member or friend of a senior, it can be difficult to know how to approach the subject and begin talking about the next steps. But, starting the conversation sooner rather than later is important so that seniors have time to make decisions and prepare for their transition in a way that feels comfortable. Here are some tips on how to start talking to your loved ones about senior living and why it is an important conversation to have and earlier than you think.Do Your Research First When it comes to transitioning into senior living, knowledge is power. Knowing what types of options are available and what services different facilities provide can help ease any anxiety around the conversation and give you both some context for your discussion.Doing research ahead of time is crucial for starting the conversation on the right foot. It will help you gain a better understanding of how senior living works and what your loved ones individual needs might be. Its also important to remember that each senior living community is unique in its own way; some offer more amenities than others, while some focus on particular health issues or dietary concerns within their care plan. By doing thorough research ahead of time, you can identify which communities best fit your loved ones needs.Doing your research first when talking to your loved ones about senior living options will also help you find out which type of senior living would best fit your loved ones needs and preferences from independent living facilities with limited assistance to full-service care homes with round-the-clock medical attention so that you can have a meaningful discussion about their specific wants and needs.Maintain Open Communication & Let It Be an Ongoing Process Above all else, open communication is key when discussing this type of transition with your loved one. Its essential that they feel listened to and respected during each step of this process from researching options together to visiting different facilities to making final decisions about where they want to live in their golden years. Some facilities even offer various amenities and benefits to increase the comfort of their residents, including in-house catering for improved nutrition, event calendars for increased social interaction, and advanced security for increased peace of mind. When talking to your parents about senior living, listen to which amenities and services your family would love the most, and ensure you communicate these benefits to them.Secondly, rather than having one large discussion about moving into a senior living community, try having several small conversations over time instead. The goal should ultimately be finding a solution that meets your loved ones needs while still allowing them the freedom and dignity they deserve so dont rush anything or expect an immediate answer. Allow plenty of time for reflection so your loved one can process everything theyre hearing before making a final decision.  Additionally, keep in mind that if they feel overwhelmed by the idea of transitioning into senior living, they may not be ready yet and thats okay! Take it slow and allow them as much time as necessary before proceeding further down the path toward finding them a home.Talk in Person With Empathy and PositivityAbove all else, when talking to your parents about senior living options, its important to remember that this is not just about them moving out of their home its also about providing them with quality care in a safe environment where theyll continue to enjoy their retirement years without worry or stress. Approach the subject from an empathetic perspective one that acknowledges their fears but also encourages them by highlighting all the wonderful benefits senior living has to offer! When done correctly and respectfully, talking about senior living can ultimately lead to a positive outcome for everyone involved and hopefully bring peace of mind for both parties as well.Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado: How We Can HelpStarting the conversation about transitioning into senior living can be daunting at first, but having an informed discussion sooner rather than later allows seniors more time to weigh their options and make decisions that feel comfortable for them while also giving families peace of mind knowing they have explored all available resources together. With patience, respect, understanding, and access to helpful resources like Grace Pointes Senior Care Resources, beginning these conversations doesnt have to be overwhelming or stressful instead, it can be reassuring and informative!At Grace Pointe Senior Care Community of Greeley, Colorado, our approach to care is customized to help when talking to your parents about senior living options available to them.  Our assisted living team is available to discuss care options in order to design a care plan that is best for you or your family member.We hope this article helped supply you with the information to make a confident and informed decision for you and your loved ones. However, if youre still not sure how to address this difficult but necessary conversation with your loved ones, we can help! We have numerous resources to help you make the right decision for your family, including our Complete Guide to Assisted Living in Greeley, Colorado. Also, feel free to take our Continuum of Care Quiz and let the expert team at Grace Pointe Senior Care Community match you with recommended services based on your answers.

Crafting Comfort: Senior Organizing Solutions Unveiled

In the realm of crafting comfort and promoting a sense of order, A Call to Order Professional Organizer stands out as a beacon of expertise, specializing in Senior Organizing Solutions. Our mission is to unveil the potential for tranquility and ease in the lives of seniors by meticulously organizing their living spaces. Our guiding principle is rooted in compassion and practicality, recognizing the unique needs of seniors and tailoring our services to create personalized, efficient solutions.As you embark on the journey of senior organizing, consider the following tips to enhance the process. Firstly, prioritize sentimental items and incorporate them into the organization plan, ensuring a balance between functionality and emotional connection. Secondly, make use of accessible storage solutions to simplify daily routines. A Call to Order emphasizes a gentle and collaborative approach, ensuring that the organizing process is not only effective but also a positive experience for seniors. Crafting comfort through thoughtful organization is not just a service; it's a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for our cherished seniors. A Call to Order Professional Organizer: Crafting Comfort: Senior Organizing Solutions Unveiled - because every moment deserves the tranquility of order.

Local Services By This Author

HomeWell Care Services

Home Health 13100 Westlinks Terrace, Fort Myers, Florida, 33913

HomeWell Care Services is known across Florida and beyond for providing in-home care that focuses on safety, comfort, and companionship. We have a team of caregivers who are genuinely passionate about being there to help the seniors of Southwest Florida keep their independence and dignity as they age. If your elderly loved one cannot stand the idea of being in an assisted living center, or if you do not have the resources to move them into your own home, call HomeWell Care Services at 239-666-2339 to see how our senior care services can help.

HomeWell Care Services

Non-Medical 13100 Westlinks Terrace, Fort Myers, Florida, 33913

HomeWell Care Services is known across Florida and beyond for providing in-home care that focuses on safety, comfort, and companionship. We have a team of caregivers who are genuinely passionate about being there to help the seniors of Southwest Florida keep their independence and dignity as they age. If your elderly loved one cannot stand the idea of being in an assisted living center, or if you do not have the resources to move them into your own home, call HomeWell Care Services at 239-666-2339 to see how our senior care services can help.