Your aging mother died a few months ago after a long illness, leaving your elderly father alone in the house they once shared. Ever since mom’s death, dad just hasn’t been the same and you suspect he may be suffering from loneliness. He’s not eating right, keeping up his appearance, and has even stopped meeting his friends for morning coffee.
Chronic loneliness affects millions of seniors every year and its impact upon one’s health can be devastating, notably for those who live by themselves. If you suspect that your dad is lonely, try cheering him up using these ideas from the experts.
Why Do Seniors Feel Lonely?
The number one reason that older people get lonely is the loss of a spouse. In addition, psychologists have identified these loneliness risk factors within the elderly population:
- Death of a close friend or relative
- Declining physical health
- Social isolation caused by incontinence, immobility or lack of transportation
- Low self-esteem
- Not feeling wanted or needed anymore
- Hearing or vision loss
Chronic Loneliness Causes Poor Health
Human beings are social creatures, so feeling chronically lonely can cause some serious secondary health problems, like:
- An increased risk for dementia
- Depression and even suicidal thoughts
- Alcohol and drug dependency, or even addiction
- A greater likelihood for falling, including serious falls
- Poor nutrition
- Sleeping difficulties and insomnia
- A higher risk for hospitalizations
- Slower healing times when sick or recovering from surgery
When it comes to your dad, these potential health issues can eventually start threatening his at-home freedom and independence. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to help him get his life back on track again.
Helping Dad Feel Good Again
Because of the circumstances, dad’s loneliness will take time to overcome. First, gently approach him about what you’ve observed and why it’s a concern, and then offer your love and support. Once dad’s willing to accept some help, try encouraging him to participate in these activities so that he can replace those negative emotions with positive ones:
Volunteer
Your father probably has a lot of skills that would benefit others. Get him involved in the community as a volunteer at a local hospital, church, nursing home, cancer center or school, as doing so will do wonders for his self-confidence and sense of wellbeing.
Find a Pet
Dad spent months caring for mom, so now he doesn’t feel needed. Fill that nurturing void with a cuddly dog or cat that will keep your father company and give him a reason to get up every day. Taking a dog for walks is also an easy way for more-mobile seniors to meet others and stay fit.
Join a Gym
Regular exercise benefits seniors, and in dad’s case it may also help take his mind off mom. Encourage him to take some low-impact workout classes at the gym that will lower his stress level, boost immunity, promote a better night’s sleep, and improve balance and coordination.
Learn New Things
Help your father sign up for a class at the local community college or library. Or, try talking him into taking up a new hobby like golf, gardening, woodworking or music. Not only will participating in these activities keep dad’s mind sharp, he’ll probably make some new friends.
Get Dad an In-Home Companion
If dad is still reluctant about leaving the house, another option you have is getting him a professional in-home caregiver who can offer some much-needed companionship when you’re not available. A caregiver from a licensed agency will provide much-needed assistance around dad’s home, or just lend a compassionate ear so that he has someone to talk to.
In-Home Caregivers that Help Seniors Feel Good Again
Helping an elderly loved one overcome feelings of loneliness is rewarding, but it can also be time-consuming and exhausting. When you need a break, call Seniors Prefer Homecare. As a fully licensed and insured agency, we only hire carefully screened caregivers who then serve as an extra pair of hands in your senior’s home so they can continue aging comfortably in place right where they want to be.
In addition to companionship, our highly trained aides also perform duties like light housework, personal hygiene, meals, medication reminders and transportation. And, all our family trusted services can be individually combined in an affordable package based on your objectives. To learn more about Seniors Prefer Homecare, or to schedule a FREE, in-home consultation for a senior in Huntsville, Tuscaloosa or AL, please visit: www.seniorspreferhomecare.com now!