Loneliness and Isolation are Preventable

As family members and caretakers, we all have a role to play in supporting our loved ones. Loneliness and isolation is a problem for many seniors, but it’s particularly difficult for those struggling with dementia.

Loved ones suffering from dementia are more likely to experience loneliness for a number of reasons, including:

• Loss of confidence after diagnosis
• Mobility difficulties and other physical impairments
• Lack of face-to-face interaction
• Chronic illnesses that affect daily activities
• Not remembering visits from friends (not perceiving social contact)

The Danger Loneliness Poses

Feelings of loneliness negatively affect both mental and physical health. Studies have found those without adequate social interaction are twice as likely to die prematurely. Isolation impairs immune function, leading to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other serious health conditions.  Perceived loneliness also directly contributes to cognitive decline and puts seniors at risk for dementia. A care professional can reduce the feeling of isolation by offering companionship and access to services not regularly available.

Health Risk

Many times, individuals who lack daily social contact may be at increased risk of death because of health-related injuries. A care professional can provide the necessary support to help your loved one live healthy and happily.

Each NursePartners clinician possesses the knowledge and experience to provide care for your loved one. NursePartners works diligently to ensure carepartners promote health, safety, and comfort. The goal is to provide better support, helping them live fully in their moment.

Transportation Challenges

Adequate transportation can reduce the risk of isolation and loneliness. Having access to transportation allows seniors to feel a sense of community. It can provide the opportunity for your loved one to feel connected to a variety of programs, activities and events that will keep them physically and mentally stimulated.

NursePartners staff are insured privately, and will transport and accompany your loved one to care services, including grocery shopping, medical appointments and shopping trips.

Activities to Enjoy Together

A caregiver can be a viable solution to alleviate your loved one’s loneliness, by offering companionship and home care assistance. Even if you’re loved one isn’t housebound, a caregiver can provide companionship, from as little as a few hours a day to around the clock care.

Keeping loved ones stimulated and providing ability-based care and support cannot be overstated. Care partners can participate in many activities with your loved one, including:

• Playing and listening to music
• Preparing and cooking meals
• Arts and crafts projects
• Scrapbooking, and looking through photo albums
• Crosswords, puzzles, cards, board games
• Gardening, dancing, swimming

Our carepartners are dedicated to improving quality of life. NursePartners works diligently to ensure carepartners fill their time together with meaningful activities and positive interactions. By keeping a record of everything from mood behaviors to daily activities, we can begin to understand which factors contribute to positive moods and overall happiness.  Our carepartners are trained in the Positive Approach to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care (GEMS™) and work with families to enable safety, comfort, and happiness through home-care services.

If your loved one need home care assistance or relief, our team would love to help.
Contact us today.