Senior isolation is a huge concern among older adults, especially in the times of COVID-19. For those who do isolate, they run a greater risk for developing mental health concerns, such as depression and anxiety. Not only that, but they are more prone to contracting physical ailments, such as heart disease. Humans are social creatures, regardless of our age, and it’s important we stay connected and in contact with people we care about.
Bringing awareness to this issue is important, but it’s also vital to know how to help your senior loved one if they are struggling with isolation. Whether they live at home alone or reside in Palm Springs memory care, here are some tips that could help.
1.) Help them stay active in their hobbies.
One of the best ways to help your senior stay connected is to encourage them to engage in their hobbies. Think about activities that they like to do. Do they enjoy taking walks? Crocheting? Painting? Even if it is a hobby they might normally enjoy alone, encourage them to participate with another person. A great way to do this is by having them teach another person, giving them a greater sense of purpose and allowing them to pass down a skill.
If they reside in Palm Springs memory care, they can participate in one of the many activities we have daily on our calendar. This is a wonderful way to make friends with other residents, participate in activities they love, and even find something new to try!
2.) Get them a furry friend.
One of the best things about our community is that we are pet friendly! We understand that pets can add a lot to an individual’s life, including seniors. For a loved one who is struggling with isolation, a dog or a cat can be a great way to help them to socialize. Head down to your local shelter to find a lonely critter in need of a home. Look for one that is more mild-mannered but still has a lot of love to give. The pet will make for great companionship, but also prompt your senior to exercise and get out every now and then.
3.) Look for volunteer work.
Seniors long for a sense of purpose, especially once they reach retirement. If they were very involved with their career, family, or community before making the move to Palm Spring memory care, odds are good that they want to keep that up in some way. Volunteering can be a great way to do this! Now they don’t have to run off and join the peace corps to be involved. Something as simple as lending a hand at the local library or helping with an activity at a local national park can go a long way! Also, check with their senior living community to see if there are any volunteering opportunities available on location.
4.) Get out and move!
Exercise is amazing for the body. We weren’t designed to have sedentary lifestyles, regardless of age. While some factors can slow us down, such as decreased mobility or various health issues, there are still ways that seniors can exercise. If your loved one resides here at our Bayshire community, encourage them to take walks! We have 5 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, complete with gardens and walking paths.
Not only that, but our community calendar features opportunities for various other exercises, such as yoga, dancing, and other fitness fun! Keeping active is not only great for the body, but it has benefits for the mind, too. Plus, all of these activities can be done in groups, making it perfect for socialization.
5.) Schedule regular doctor appointments.
When seniors isolate, one of the biggest concerns is their health. They tend to let things fall to the wayside, which can stack up and create a vicious cycle. As their health gets worse, the less they will feel up to being around people or leaving their home. One way that you can combat this, however, is by helping them stay on top of their regularly scheduled doctor appointments.
For example, your senior might be having issues hearing but are too embarrassed to talk about it. So rather than putting themselves in a social situation where they might have to ask for someone to repeat themselves, they would rather isolate and avoid a faux pas. This isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and a whole host of other health issues. However, a simple visit to the doctor could get them the hearing aid they need to feel included, avoiding the other fallback concerns altogether.
6.) Encourage them to eat meals with others.
Food is a staple in our society, and not just because we need it to survive and perform basic functions. It is the backbone of our holidays and other cultural events and celebrations. Plus, sitting down and eating dinner and talking about your day with someone who cares about you can really help someone feel loved. This is no different for seniors!
Here at our Palm Springs memory care community, we are proud of the dining experience we offer to our residents. Each and every day, three nutritious, chef-prepared meals are available in the dining area. Our whole menu is also planned by a Registered Dietician, so you know your loved one is eating top-notch food. Encourage them to take their meals with friends when they can, rather than just sticking to their room.
Palm Springs Memory Care
Senior isolation is a very real concern and can have a negative impact on one’s overall health and well being. It can happen to anyone, but especially older adults who live at home. Your senior loved one deserves the best of the best, and they can find that here at Bayshire Rancho Mirage. Moving to a memory care facility can be an excellent way to not only ensure that they are getting the best quality care, but also that they are staying connected to others. Contact us today to take a tour of our facility or to learn more about what we have to offer!
