Here’s proof that loneliness in the elderly is unforgivable
Did you know that loneliness can potentially reduce three to five years of one’s precious lifespan?
Want to learn how? Don’t stop reading!
Loneliness is a distressing emotion. It arises when we crave more social interaction than we have.
Periodic loneliness can be a standard part of aging. Yet, when stretched for an extended period, it can put you at risk of severe health issues. It causes declining mental health, heart disease, stroke, and even reduced lifespan.
Think about this for a moment.
It is proven that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having an alcohol addiction. Not good.
Another fact…
Still not convinced? Keep reading to learn more about:
- Top 5 factors that contribute to loneliness in older adults
- 5 potential health risk factors associated with loneliness
- Effective ways to combat loneliness
- 9 amazing benefits of having an in-home personal caregiver
- When to contact a home care services provider.
Why Are Seniors More Likely To Experience Loneliness?
Loneliness affects people of all ages. However, certain circumstances make older adults more likely to feel alone. Factors that contribute to loneliness in adults could be:
- Loss of a spouse and other family members.
- Retirement from the workplace leads to reduced levels of social connections.
- Mobility issues and fewer transportation options.
- Lack of technical skills and little chances of online social interaction chances.
- Declining physical health and depression
How Does Loneliness Affect Older Adults?
Many adult folks aged 50 and older are socially isolated or lonely. In many ways, it impacts their quality of life.
And what’s worse?
Experts have linked loneliness to various health issues, such as:
- Heart diseases: A recent study looked at 400,000 adults and found that those who felt alone were likelier to get heart diseases later in life. Lonely adults are 15% to 20% more likely to need to go to the hospital or even die from heart problems.
- Stroke: Being lonely or not having many friends can increase the chances of stroke by up to 30%.
- Dementia: If someone is lonely, they are more likely to develop forgetfulness and weakened memory later. According to research, they are 64% more likely to become forgetful.
- Anxiety and Depression: Lonely People often feel sad and anxious. They may even think about hurting themselves more often than people who are not lonely.
- Reduced Immunity: Recent studies suggest that loneliness can initiate a stress response in the body. When you're lonely for too long, these responses can become chronic stress and weaken your immune system. A weak immune system lowers your body’s ability to fight against infections.
So what’s the point?
The bottom line is loneliness can be dangerous to one’s physical and mental health. It must be taken seriously!
How can older adults deal with loneliness?
A listening ear and a comforting presence are all that we need most of the time to combat loneliness. Regardless of age, having someone to confide in can make all the difference.
Easy fix, right? Let me explain.
For most seniors, residential nursing facilities and in-home caregivers are popular options.
Nursing homes provide all-day medical care, help with everyday tasks, and more socializing opportunities. But there’s a catch…
Living in a nursing home often requires seniors to change their usual way of life.
Adjusting to the schedule of nursing homes is difficult and unnatural. Most adults prefer living at home for this reason.
You might be wondering… is there a better option?
Of course! In-home personal caregivers are available to help you maintain your current lifestyle and independence safely.
In-home personal caregivers can help your loved one enjoy the benefits of a nursing home and the freedom to live independently.
They can provide the one-on-one care and attention that your loved one needs. With home nursing, elders can remain independent and continue their usual lifestyle.
Sounds impressive, right? Read on.
9 Amazing Benefits Of having an In-home Caregiver
There are many benefits of aging at home. We will outline nine of them here. We can’t rave enough about in-home caregivers!
- Health and Wellness: Studies have found that seniors who receive in-home care have better health outcomes. They tend to feel better and have fewer chances of rehospitalization. Older adults who receive good home accessibility tend to achieve higher well-being and heal more quickly.
- Cost-effective Care: Home nursing is a cheaper option compared to nursing homes. The cost of in-home care is calculated on an hourly basis. Since home nurses visit your loved ones for a set number of hours, the overall cost is markedly less than at healthcare facilities.
- Familiar setting: Home nursing allows elders to age in the comfort of their homes. It helps them keep their current lifestyle and receive the care they need. Family members can also remain close and connected to their elders as they receive care.
- Healthy Lifestyle: With home health care, elders can exercise and walk according to their routines. It makes them more likely to adhere to medications and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Personalized Healthcare: Unlike nursing homes, home care plans are flexible and can be shaped according to the person’s needs. The person you hire will come to your home and do everything according to your preference. They will assist your loved one out of bed, cook their favorite foods, and even provide company whenever needed.
- Independence: Your aging loved one can remain more independent in their homes than in an assisted living facility. With home nursing, they can stay connected to their community and live on their terms.
- Help with getting around: Professional caregivers also offer transportation services. Whether it’s about taking your loved one to a doctor’s appointment or visiting an old friend, caregivers help them get around whenever they like.
- Companionship: In-home nurses are trained to alleviate social isolation. With in-home nursing, your loved one enjoys companionship and emotional support whenever needed. A close bond between caregivers and seniors can reduce loneliness and solitude.
- Gives you a sense of peace: Taking care of elderly loved ones requires attention, patience, and affection. In most cases, it is a challenging task for family members. Hiring skilled and professional caregivers can take a massive burden off your shoulders and give you peace of mind. Rest assured that a qualified caregiver will assist your aging loved one at every step of the way.
By now you’ll have realized the importance of hiring a personal caregiver for yourself or a loved one.
When to contact a home care agency
Ask yourself these questions to determine if your loved one needs an in-home caregiver.
- Does your loved one experience loneliness or wishes to see more friends or relatives?
- Do they spend several hours a day living alone in their homes?
- Do they need help to perform daily life activities, like bathing, dressing, and grooming?
- Are they at risk of falling and injuring themselves when they are alone?
- Do they need to be more mindful and find it difficult to recall recent events?
- Do they have a medical condition that demands frequent supervision?
- Do they depend on you as the sole caretaker, and do you need respite for your emotional needs?
If you answered “YES” to any of the questions above, then it’s the right time to consult a reliable home care agency.
Remember that inquiring about the provider’s experience and the credibility of the agency is essential.
Nurses and caregivers associated with a reputable agency undergo skill evaluation and thorough background checks. Hence, choosing a reputable agency can be a good idea when seeking a trusted caregiver for your loved one.
Let’s recap!
Loneliness refers to a feeling of solitude or disconnection. It most commonly affects the elderly population. Feeling lonely can increase the chance of having severe health problems like a stroke, heart attack, or mental health issues.
Maintaining strong social relationships is the key for older adults to live long and healthy lives.
Qualified homecare professionals can make aging less difficult. They help your loved ones age in the comfort of their homes. Independence, companionship, and personalized care are a few notable benefits of homecare services.
Are you looking for an in-home caregiving service for your loved one?
Call XYZ Home Health Agency at [Phone number] to book a free in-home consultation!
