One of the biggest problems that seniors face if they’re living alone isn’t one that family members often think about. It’s isolation. If your mom or dad is living alone they have a high risk of becoming isolated and lonely. And that can have a big impact on their health.
Even if you live close enough to visit often your senior parent is still probably not getting enough social interaction. Companion care at home is strongly recommended for seniors who are living alone because companion care at home gives seniors regular social contact.
A companion will spend time with your mom or dad on a regular basis playing games, talking, sharing meals, and doing other activities to give your mom or dad the chance to connect socially and engage with another person.
If your mom or dad doesn’t get enough social engagement or spend time with other people it could affect their brain health and cognitive abilities. Social isolation has been linked to health issues like:
Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline
According to studies, a lack of social interaction can accelerate cognitive decline in seniors. That means being isolated makes it harder for seniors to maintain their memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. Regular social engagement stimulates the brain, helping to keep it active and healthy.
If you live far away from your mom or dad, and they have no friends or family nearby, companion care at home is a fantastic way to make sure they don’t become isolated at home.
Higher Likelihood of Depression
Social isolation is strongly linked to feelings of loneliness and depression in seniors, especially in seniors who are living alone. Depression can impair cognitive functions such as memory and decision-making, and even increase the risk of developing dementia.
Spending time with a companion on a regular basis can lower the risk that your mom or dad will develop depression and anxiety.
Reduced Mental Stimulation
Social interactions provide mental stimulation, which is something that everyone needs for good brain health. Without regular conversations and social activities, seniors may experience reduced cognitive engagement, leading to a decline in brain function.
“Use it or lose it” applies to brain health just like it does to muscle health. Seniors need to use their brains by having conversations, doing activities, and engaging socially so they don’t lose their cognitive abilities.
Increased Risk of Dementia
Studies have shown that socially isolated seniors have a higher risk of developing dementia. The lack of social connections can lead to chronic stress, which negatively impacts brain structure and function, contributing to the onset of dementia-related diseases.
Even though there’s no way to prevent dementia, spending time with a companion, playing brain games, and doing activities can help seniors lower their risk of developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Impaired Memory and Learning
Social interaction is important for memory formation and learning. Isolation can impair the brain’s ability to form and retain new memories, making it harder for seniors to learn new skills or recall information, which can contribute to overall cognitive decline.
Seniors can live quite happily at home, as long as they are getting the support they need to maintain their physical and mental health. Companion care at home is a great support for seniors who are at risk of becoming lonely.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Redding, CT, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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