Seniors are more vulnerable to a number of mental health conditions. These issues can be increased by social isolation, declining physical mobility, or chronic disease. A companion caregiver can provide social interaction, daily assistance with important tasks, and access to important mental health resources.
Here are some reasons Companion Care is essential to your loved ones' mental health:
Prevents Social Isolation
As seniors get older, many tend to lose their spouses, loved ones, and friends. Which may lead to them living alone or not having people in their lives to bring them out of the house.
About 28% (13.8 million) of noninstitutionalized older persons lived alone (9.3 million women, 4.5 million men). While not all seniors who live alone are lonely, living alone does pose a risk of social isolation. This is especially true for seniors who can no longer drive. Social Isolation can have serious physical, mental, and emotional consequences. It has been linked to depression, cognitive decline, and a variety of health conditions. Having a companion stop in every few days to keep your loved one active and engaged is the best way to prevent Social Isolation.
Prevents Increased chance of Depression
Alongside the damages Social Isolation can cause, there is an increased chance of Depression when seniors do not have regular social and physical activities in their day-to-day lives.
Our trained companion caregivers understand the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. They can then consult with family members to schedule appointments with mental healthcare professionals.
Improves Cognitive Functions
Social interaction helps fight the risk of cognitive issues as your loved one ages. Studies have shown that higher rates of social connectedness are linked to reduced risk of cognitive decline over several years.
Social connectedness has also been shown to reduce a senior’s risk of developing dementia.
For more on home care or a little assistance at home when you need it most, visit the compassionate team at Helping Hearts at Home today.
Call Us at 631-676-4400 (New York)
561-237-8000 (Florida)