Companion Care At Home – 4 Startling Facts About Seniors And Loneliness
Loneliness has been called an epidemic among seniors, especially seniors that are aging at home. A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says that more than a quarter of all seniors experience social isolation or loneliness. That number has risen dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic that forced people to stay socially isolated.
Social isolation and loneliness are real concerns for seniors and their family members. If family members live too far away to visit regularly seniors can be left alone much of the time. One way that seniors can combat loneliness is companion care at home. Companion care at home is a type of specialized support for seniors. Seniors get regular visits from a care provider that they choose who can spend time with them talking, going for walks, going out to meals or coffee or shopping, or just hanging out. Companion care gives seniors the vital social connection they need.
Without social connection and companionship seniors can suffer from poor physical and mental health. These four shocking facts about loneliness among seniors show how important companionship is for seniors:
Loneliness Increases The Risk Of Death Among Seniors
When people think about the things that seniors need to live well at home alone they don’t think about companionship. But science shows that seniors aging in place who are isolated have a greater risk of dying. The mortality rate for seniors experiencing long-term loneliness is 50% higher than that of seniors who have a lot of social connection.
Loneliness Increases The Risk Of Serious Health Problems In Seniors
Aside from the increased risk of death, being lonely can also cause seniors to develop serious physical and mental health problems. Seniors that are lonely have a much higher risk of developing depression and anxiety than other seniors. And they have a higher risk of developing physical health problems like heart disease and high blood pressure.
Loneliness Can Cause Cognitive Decline In Seniors
Being lonely can also increase the risk of cognitive decline in seniors, especially in seniors who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Extended loneliness in seniors can speed up the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and can cause a drop in IQ. It’s essential for seniors that are living independently to find ways to make friends or connect with the world so that they can retain their cognitive abilities for as long as possible.
LGBT Seniors Have A Higher Risk Of Being Lonely
All seniors are at risk for loneliness, but studies show that LGBT seniors have twice the risk of becoming socially isolated. As LGBT seniors get older they may lose their partners and their friends. And because LGBT seniors are less likely to have children and supportive families their risk of loneliness is much greater than other seniors. LGBT seniors need companion care at home. They also should try to make new friends through activities like volunteering.
If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Matawan, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Lares Home Care 888-492-3538 or 732-566-1112.
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