Human beings are social creatures that need to socialize for the sake of their mental health and wellbeing. But even under normal circumstances, many aging in place seniors don’t socialize enough due to financial hardships, transportation challenges or poor mobility. A lifestyle-altering event like the COVID-19 pandemic creates unique social challenges because of travel bans, stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines. Fortunately, as an informal caregiver there are several ways to keep your senior socially engaged, starting with these.  

Social Isolation Causes these Problems

Even without COVID-19 travel restrictions, millions of elderly Americans battle loneliness and social isolation every day. Think Health Magazine points out that seniors who are more socially isolated tend to experience these physical and emotional problems:  

If you’re currently caring for an aging in place loved one who’s homebound due to the COVID-19 outbreak, finding ways to keep them socially engaged needs to be a priority. 

Keeping Your Senior Socially Engaged

Since COVID-19 is more dangerous for the elderly, following sheltering in place and social distancing guidelines is very important for their continued health and wellbeing. However, as a caregiver there are several steps you can take to keep your senior socially engaged, such as: 

Communicate Daily

If you’re only providing sporadic caregiving assistance in their home, like laundry, cleaning or bill paying, find other ways to stay connected with your senior. This could be as simple as a quick wellness phone call or text message. If they’re more tech savvy, try a video chart service like FaceTime, Skype or Google Hangouts. Regularly hearing your voice and seeing your face will go a long way when it comes to cheering them up.    

Try Social Media

You can also show your senior how to use social media to interact with other family members and friends. Be sure that they have a good Internet connection and then help them find groups on Facebook or Pinterest with members that have similar hobbies and interests. Socializing online will help keep them from feeling cut off from society until things return to normal.

Buy Them a Dog

Companion animals like dogs benefit the elderly in many ways, including security, a renewed sense of purpose, laughter and even improved cardiovascular health and mental acuity. If your loved one is otherwise healthy enough to care for a dog, find them one through an online pet adoption service. And, be sure to tell your senior to wear the necessary Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and to “social distance” while walking their new pooch in public. 

Remote Counseling Services

If you can’t physically be there but feel that your loved one is having serious emotional issues, contact an organization that provides mental health counseling services using video chats or phone conversations. Don’t hesitate to contact a mental health professional if you suspect that your senior’s health and wellbeing are at risk. You can locate mental health service providers through the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) website. 

In-home Support

When you have kids and a job it’s difficult sometimes to physically get to your loved one’s home. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a meal delivery service, other family members or community agencies that work with the aging. If your senior is feeling lonely and depressed, you can also hire a professional companion caregiver from a reputable home care agency to spend time with them each day.

An Extended Family in Your Loved One’s Home

Spending time with an aging in place loved one is hard when you have your own household to manage or live far away. When you need a hand, contact Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured home care agency, we will provide your senior with the companionship they deserve so they can continue living safely and comfortably right where they want to be. As an extended family in the home, our well trained and carefully screened aids can also perform duties like personal hygiene, light housework, meals, medication reminders and transportation.

And, all our “cream of the crop” home care services can be individually combined into an affordable package that’ll restore your peace of mind! To read testimonials from some Seniors Prefer Homecare clients now, or to schedule a FREE in-home consultation with a case manager for a loved one in Huntsville or Tuscaloosa, AL, today, please visit us at: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com.