Seniors who are living at home have a risk of becoming lonely and isolated. There are a lot of benefits that come with having an aging parent live in their own home. But it’s important to take steps to make sure that your mom or dad is getting the social engagement they need to stay healthy.
If you don’t live near your senior, or if you have a full-time job or kids to take care of and you can’t get to their house every day, they may start to get lonely. These tips can help you find ways to make sure that your mom or dad is getting lots of socialization at home:
Rely on Companion Care At Home
Companion care at home is something that all seniors living alone should have. Companion care is specialized care that is focused on making sure seniors aren’t lonely or isolated at home. If your mom or dad has companion care at home a companion will visit them regularly to share conversations, do activities, play games, and provide company and companionship.
Call Every Day
Daily phone calls give you mom or dad a big emotional lift, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Hearing a loved one’s voice helps them feel less isolated. Ask them about their day, share some news, or talk about favorite memories. Regular calls show them they are loved and cared for. Pick a time and call at that time every day, just for a couple of minutes to say hi. It will make a huge difference for your mom or dad.
Video Chats
Video calls allow face-to-face interaction even when you can’t be there in person. Seeing your face can lift your parent’s mood. You can also use video chats to show them parts of your day, like the family pet or your surroundings, making them feel more involved.
Send Letters and Photos
Taking the time to write a letter to your parent shows that you’re thinking of them. Greeting cards are an easy way to let your mom or dad know that you’re thinking of them and give them the excitement of getting mail. Having something physical to hold and look at can provide comfort during lonely moments.
Set Up a Daily Routine
Helping your parent create a daily routine can make their days more fulfilling. Encourage them to wake up at the same time, have regular meal times, and set aside time for hobbies or activities they enjoy. Routines give seniors like your mom or dad structure and help reduce feelings of boredom or loneliness.
Encourage Hobbies
Help your mom or dad find hobbies they enjoy or encourage them to revisit old ones. Whether it’s knitting, painting, doing puzzles, or reading, hobbies can fill the time and keep the mind active.
Watch TV or Movies Together
Watching the same show or movie with your parent, even while apart, is a fun way to bond. You can watch a TV series at the same time and then discuss it over the phone. It’s like having a mini book club, but for TV or movies. This gives you both something to look forward to and talk about regularly.
Set Up a Smart Device for Music or Podcasts
Help your parent set up a smart speaker like Alexa or Google Home so they can easily listen to their favorite music, radio stations, or podcasts. Hearing familiar songs or interesting stories can help them feel less alone.
Share Family News
Keep your senior parent updated on family events, no matter how small. Share stories about your kids, work, or even what you had for dinner. Send text updates or share short videos of everyday moments. This helps them feel connected to the family and less out of the loop.
Play Games Together Online
There are many simple games you can play together online. Some websites and apps allow you to play chess, cards, or other board games remotely. This is a great way to stay connected to your mom or dad if you live too far away to visit often.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Marcellus, MI, please contact the caring staff at Fresh Perspective Home Care today. Call (269) 329-4717.
Fresh Perspective Home Care is a trusted non-medical senior home care provider in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Richland, Vicksburg, Schoolcraft, Three Rivers, Gull Lake, Yorkville and Otsego, Michigan.
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