Loneliness is a big problem for older adults. It often stems from some sort of self-isolation that might have begun for a reason or by accident. Understanding what can cause the problem helps you to spot possible solutions.
Her Health Is Changing
Chronic health issues never really go away. Your senior may have good days and bad days, but there is usually a steady worsening of those health concerns. When your elderly family member is in one of those worsening stages, she may withdraw a little more from the people who love her and around whom she usually spends a good deal of time. That can start to slowly cause other issues for her.
Her Mobility Is Becoming a Problem
One example of health issues can involve your senior’s mobility. When she’s not able to move around as well as she has in the past, that can cause safety worries for her and for you. Mobility can also mean that she’s not feeling well enough to drive any longer and that can cause her to isolate herself, too. Finding ways to help her to be more mobile, in all the ways that affects her, can be an important solution.
She’s Self-conscious about Something
So much about aging can make your senior feel more self-conscious than she ever has in the past. Her body is changing and she may find herself using assistive tools that she finds embarrassing. She may also feel as if she “holds up” the people around her when she’s having greater difficulties, which can cause her to want to avoid being around people. All of these issues can be at play for your senior.
She’s Dealing with Losses
Loss and grief are a part of life, but they are a painful part of life. There may be an anniversary coming up or there may be a recent loss of a friend or loved one. The loss could even be a far more personal one, such as grieving the loss of her mobility. Regardless of the type of loss your elderly family member is facing, she may find being around other people to be a little painful right now.
Social isolation can become a problem for your senior if it’s left to continue. One solution, especially if you can’t check on your senior as often as you’d like, is to have homecare providers stop in and check on her. Homecare providers can help her with anything that needs to be done and offer a friendly face for a few hours of companionship.
For Homecare Services in Covington TN, please contact the caring staff at Personal Care Services MidSouth today!