5 Tips for Helping Seniors Feel Less Alone

Loneliness can lead to various health issues for seniors, including obesity, high blood pressure, chronic stress, and even death. As a family caregiver, you need to keep your elderly parent happy, stimulated, and active. Here are some ways you can help your loved one avoid feeling lonely. 

1. Go for Walks Together

Being outdoors can relieve stress for seniors almost instantly. The fresh air could soothe your loved one’s nerves and strengthen his or her muscles. The movement and outdoor scenery could have a positive impact on your loved one’s mental health by reducing anxiety, boosting cognitive function, and lowering the risk of depression. While walking, you can discuss current films and books or other topics your loved one enjoys. 

Living alone at home in the golden years can present a few unique challenges. Trust home care San Francisco professionals to help your senior loved one maintain a higher quality of life while he or she lives with an illness and performs the daily tasks of living. 

2. Schedule a Spa Day

Whenever your loved one is feeling lonely, take him or her to a local spa to have a day of pampering. Your loved one can get a massage to relax his or her muscles and reduce stress. If the local spa offers a complete makeover, encourage your parent to take advantage of the extra services. Getting pampered at the spa could cheer your loved one up and boost his or her self-esteem.

3. Visit Regularly

It may not seem like a big deal, but going to see your loved one multiple times during the week could impact his or her life in a huge way. Having lively and upbeat conversations may turn your loved one’s frown into a smile within a matter of minutes. 

Even if you have a busy schedule, try to visit your loved one at least two or three times per week. The visits will also give you the opportunity to check on your loved one’s overall wellbeing, ensuring he or she is taking medications, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and not being taken advantage of by hackers or scammers.

Finding time to regularly visit your loved one may be challenging if you have other responsibilities to tend to. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional home care, Corio by IOA should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.

4. Plan a Staycation

When finances or physical health issues prevent your loved one from traveling, make the best of nearby attractions. Book a room at a local hotel and plan a weekend full of fun adventures he or she will love. You can try out a new restaurant, go to a movie or concert, or simply stay put and enjoy the amenities and activities at the hotel. Exploring the hidden treasures in your city or town could cheer your loved one up and lower his or her risk of depression, obesity, and heart disease. 

5. Encourage Socializing in the Community

Many seniors find their friends are no longer as accessible as they once were. Their friends may have retired to warmer locations, moved in with family, gone into assisted living facilities, or even passed away. Luckily, there are several options in most communities to make new friends. Check with the local senior center to see if they offer game nights or classes. Churches often provide opportunities for older people to socialize. Accompany your loved one to these events the first few times to ease any nervousness he or she may feel. 

Regular social stimulation is necessary to boost a senior’s overall health and wellbeing. For families, hourly home care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Corio by IOA, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home. To learn about our quality-assured services, give us a call at (415) 750-4111 today.