There are many physical, emotional, and psychological factors affecting the quality of health in not only older people but younger adults too.
However, aging comes with a variety of physical problems. To help alleviate these challenges, the elderly often have domiciliary care to help them with their ailments and day-to-day activities. In-home carers are a great alternative to care homes as it allows a person to keep much more of a degree of independence. Their mental health can seriously impact their physical well-being and loneliness can play a big part in that.
The elderly often experience a feeling of loneliness and depression at some point in their lives and this has a severe negative impact on their health.
Unfortunately, the likelihood is many of the elderly are living without a spouse, significant other or children, which is alarming when you consider the fact that this is where most of our social interaction comes from.
As we grow older, we lose a lot of our social connections and this could happen for several reasons such as:
Retirement
Death of friends & family
Lack of physical ability
Loss of driving privileges
Poor health
When a person’s social interaction becomes limited, loneliness and depression can become overwhelming. Loneliness affects us emotionally but can also affect us mentally. Cognitive decline and the risk of developing dementia has been linked to perceived social isolation and loneliness which are associated with increased mortality.
Illness and conditions such as chronic lung disease, arthritis, impaired mobility, and depression can be attributed to social isolation. This puts a big spotlight on the importance of identifying and dealing with loneliness early.
We all know that depression only worsens social isolation and in turn keeps people from participating in social events and being active, both of which can seriously diminish the feelings of loneliness. It’s important for aging adults and the people that care for them to understand how loneliness can affect a person and how to prevent that emotional and physical drain.
Ways to Reduce the Effects of Loneliness
The elderly can immediately begin to feel an overall improvement in their emotional state and quality of life by increasing social involvement and there are several ways that can happen:
Volunteering
Community Activities & Clubs
Day Centres
Retirement Villages
Live-in Care
There are so many ways that the elderly can find fulfilment when they don’t have family or friends nearby. Making friends and developing different connections is a great way decrease loneliness and depression and help improve overall quality of life and health. Live-in care is a great way in which this can be achieved. Live-in carers can provide companion care as well as personal care for the elderly.
Our clients are always happy when they have their favourite carer, and together they combat the feeling of loneliness, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones are being looked after.
If you or your loved one can benefit from arranging live-in care (whether this is companion care, live-in care & domiciliary services, personal care for the elderly, or more complex needs) please call us on 01264 319399 and we will be delighted to help you arrange live-in care. Alternatively you can email us on hello@access-care.co.uk to tell us your story.