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1. Seven Ways In-Home Senior Care Can
Provide More Connected, Healthier Lives
At this year’s annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science, University of Chicago’s Dr. John Cacioppo and his team stated, "Feelings of
loneliness can increase an older person’s chance of premature death by 14 percent."
Senior care can make the difference between isolation versus an emotionally nourishing
social life. Here are seven practical ways in-home care can help seniors stay socially
connected:
1. Companionship. Caregivers are able to provide supportive, nonjudgmental
companionship that helps combat boredom, depression, and loneliness.
2. Hospitality. Caregivers can provide light housekeeping, prepare refreshments, and
assist with bathing, dressing, and grooming for entertaining family and friends.
3. Everyday outings. Caregivers provide transportation, supervision, and
encouragement.
4. Exploring new opportunities. Caregivers can help educate seniors on local
resources available to remain connected in the community, and transport them as
necessary.
5. Digital socialization. Caregivers can assist elders with technology challenges to
help them keep in touch with friends and loved ones who live at a distance.
6. Alzheimer’s-appropriate activities. Caregivers understand the needs and
motivation of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions, can identify
local resources to provide support, and provide transportation and encouragement.
7. Supporting family ties. Caregivers complete tasks that could otherwise occupy the
time of family, freeing up more of their time to do things they really enjoy with their
loved one.
Creating a plan to be socially active isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Visit
http://www.rightathome.net/washtenaw/blog/ for additional articles and information about
senior health and in-home care.
Right at Home of Ann Arbor is a provider of in-home care and assistance to seniors and
other adults in Metro Detroit Michigan.