As people get older, it can be harder to maintain a vibrant social support network. Due to mobility issues, some seniors struggle to get out of the house as much as they used to. Others may feel isolated after children and their families move away. In fact, over 50% of seniors over 60 are at risk for isolation. But how can seniors build a better social support network to maintain their quality of life?
Connect with Friends and Family
As we get older, it can be harder to maintain connections with friends and family members. Especially when people move away or get busy with jobs or families of their own, your elderly loved one may feel left out. That’s what makes establishing a pattern of communication so crucial. It’s best when family members come together to make sure that everyone is keeping in touch with an older loved one who lives alone. Schedule regular phone calls or zoom meetings, and organize in-person visits whenever possible. Ensure that your loved one has access to the transportation they need in order to socialize with friends. Consider offering them a ride if they aren’t able to drive themselves.
Participate in Community Activities
Being connected to a community is vital for people of all ages. From volunteering to community events, most areas have a wide variety of opportunities for seniors to participate in activities connecting them with other people. This helps seniors feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment as they contribute to their neighborhood and build social ties.
Join a Senior Center
Sometimes the most challenging thing about building a social circle is meeting people with similar interests and concerns. For seniors, connecting with people at a similar point in their life’s journey is a great way to find people with whom they share experiences and common ground. As a result, many older adults may benefit from joining a senior center.
Senior centers offer a wide variety of activities and opportunities. From classes to exercise equipment, a senior center can be a great place to get out of the house while also making some new social connections.
Some Seniors Need Help Putting Themselves Out There
Forming and maintaining relationships can be difficult, even under the best of circumstances. For seniors, who often experience barriers in transportation and mobility, getting out and meeting people is even more difficult. Many seniors also might not have the same degree of intuitive familiarity with technology as younger people who grew up using it every day. In today’s online world, this can put seniors at a disadvantage. On top of struggling to access important digital resources, seniors can also have trouble navigating the social opportunities the internet facilitates.
Luckily, an in-home caregiver can help on all of these fronts. Caregivers can help your elderly loved one keep in touch with loved ones and find new opportunities for socialization. From providing transportation to helping navigate opportunities online, caregivers are an excellent resource for your elderly loved one to build their social network. And, of course, caregivers can provide companionship and company for your loved one even when they’re not feeling up to a big social outing. With the care and compassion that an in-home caregiver offers, your loved one will be empowered to build their social circle and enjoy all that life in their golden years has to offer.
About Generations Home Care
Generations Home Care personalized in-home care and support services help those recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, living with a chronic disease, or dealing with the natural process of aging. We help people live a fuller, healthier, and independent life.
Our caregivers are trained in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended COVID-19 safety precautions. We offer levels of care ranging from companionship, to respite for the primary family caregiver, to homemaking services, to assistance with activities of daily living, to Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Generations Home Care takes a holistic approach and emphasizes a consistent, client-centered plan of care.
Our Specialty Services Include:
- Rehab or hospital-to-home programs for safe discharge.
- Short-term post-operative care during recovery periods.
- Non-medical life management services for people with chronic conditions.
- Veteran’s connection to care program.
- Live-in services and couples care.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help you, contact us today at 602-595-HOME (4663) or by filling out the contact form on our website.
