Many older adults are home bound. This means they don’t get out of the house often. They may be stuck at home for several reasons, including an inability to drive, mobility problems, or health problems. Not getting out of the house enough can lead to social isolation.
Social isolation occurs when a senior does not have many opportunities to interact with other people. It’s a dangerous problem that has been associated with physical and mental health problems. In fact, experts say that being socially isolated is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes per day and even more dangerous than being obese.
One way to make sure your aging relative does not become socially isolated is to make sure they go on regular outings. Getting out of the house gives them a chance to talk to other people, which is important even if the person they talk to is just a clerk at the store. However, it’s not always easy for family caregivers to find the time to take seniors on outings because of their many responsibilities.
Fortunately, a home care provider can take your loved one places. Where can home care take seniors? The possibilities are nearly endless!
Here are just a few places your older family member can go with a home care provider.
Run Errands
Something as simple as running errands can be rewarding to an older adult because it gives them a feeling of independence. Home care providers can take them to the post office, the grocery store, or to purchase a gift for a grandchild.
Worship Services
Many older adults have close connections to their places of worship and the people there. When they aren’t able to get out of the house, they may miss friends and feel spiritually unfulfilled. Home care providers can drive seniors to their place of worship and back home after the service. They can also take them to events at the church, such as luncheons, studies, and other gatherings.
Theaters, Zoos, and Museums
Seniors need entertainment just like younger adults. Special outings can improve their quality of life and bring them a lot of joy. Having a home care provider can enable seniors to go on outings with just the provider or as part of a larger group. Home care providers can even go on family outings to assist the senior so that family caregivers can focus on the fun and their relationships rather than on caregiver duties.
Sources: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2018/social-isolation-symptoms-danger.html