Loneliness is something that seniors who are living alone need to be careful of because it can have big health consequences. Studies show that seniors who spend too much alone have an increased risk for health problems like heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and depression. Companion care at home services is a great way to make sure that your senior parent is getting enough social interaction.
Seniors who live alone often end up spending huge amounts of time alone. If you don’t live near your senior mom or dad, or if you can’t spend a lot of time with them because you work they could be more lonely than you realize. Seniors who have companion care at home get regular visits from a caregiver who will share a cup of tea with them, have conversations, play board games or cards, do activities or puzzles, or watch movies or read. Companions can also share meals with your mom or dad in case your mom or dad doesn’t like to eat alone.
Getting regular visits from someone they trust can make a huge difference in your mom or dad’s overall health. And it can prevent these health problems that can be caused by loneliness:
Mental Health Decline
Prolonged loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety, affecting your senior parent’s overall mental health and reducing quality of life. To improve your senior parent’s mental health, try companion care at home. You will probably see a big change in their mental health.
Loss Of Memory and Cognitive Function
Loneliness is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Humans are social, and they need social interactions to maintain their cognitive function. The activities that seniors do socially like playing games, doing puzzles, or listening to music all contribute to better cognitive health.
Heart Disease
Chronic loneliness can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and strokes in seniors. If your senior parent already has heart disease or high blood pressure, being lonely can make those conditions worse.
Weakened Immune System
Loneliness can weaken the immune system, making seniors more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Poor Nutrition
Loneliness can lead to poor eating habits in seniors, either through a lack of appetite or neglecting meal preparation, resulting in malnutrition or weight issues. Having a companion to share meals with encourages seniors to eat healthy meals regularly.
Insomnia and Poor Sleep Quality
Lonely seniors often experience difficulty sleeping, which can exacerbate other health issues and impair daily functioning. If your senior parent normally has trouble sleeping, 24-hour home care might help relieve some of their nighttime anxiety.
Hormonal Imbalance
Loneliness can trigger chronic stress, leading to elevated cortisol levels, which can harm various bodily systems and contribute to conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Overall Health Decline
Studies have shown that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of premature death, comparable to other well-established risk factors such as smoking and obesity. Talk to your senior mom or dad about companion care at home. It can be a wonderful way to help your mom or dad stay healthy and happy at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in College Park GA please get in touch with the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (404) 266-8773
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Atlanta, Palmetto, Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Hapeville, Johns Creek, and all of Fulton County.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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