Rethinking senior care in general is a hot topic lately. The pandemic exposed a lot of shortcomings in the care system in general, and a lack of human connection was one of those that were at the top of the list. Allowing seniors to stay social might not seem like it has a lot of health benefits to it, but socialization is an essential element for emotional and mental health. We are not meant to be isolated. We are meant to be able to be with our family and friends. Even the greatest of introverts needs time with others to really live a healthy life.
But as we know, this can get harder and harder for people as they age. Getting around becomes harder, people move away, and socialization happens less and less frequently. Unfortunately, this is the case for far too many older Americans. The older folk in our communities deserve better. Those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease deserve better.
As we have seen over the years, isolation leads to both mental and physical health issues. Mental health is tied to the health of our bodies in so many ways that we don’t fully understand yet, but that link is surely there. When people are part of a community, they tend to be happier and have a greater sense of purpose in their lives. This is true of the elderly, and for everyone else. Just because someone has gotten older does not mean that this need has disappeared. Staying active and feeling like part of a community is essential for the wellbeing of everyone.
In-home care provides companionship in a unique way. While senior living communities and assisted living facilities provide seniors with a natural set of peers, this isn’t always organic and it isn’t always what’s best for the person in need. In-home care allows your loved ones to stay where they want to be, where they have always been, with the people that they’ve always been around. Community isn’t created this way, it’s maintained. Instead of going to care and worrying about a social approach to care after the fact, care is brought to you and the way of life is kept the same. Research confirms with study after study, this helps seniors with dementia to stay cognitively healthy for longer periods of time.
If you’d like to learn more about in-home care, we’re here to help. Even if you’re not sure what you’re looking for out of senior care, someone from our team of professionals would love to sit down and talk with you about how to get the most out of your family’s senior care. In-home care holds the answers for a lot of people, but we know that it’s not for everyone. Furthermore, not everyone is comfortable navigating the senior care system. Regardless of what you’re looking for, we’re here to help get you pointed in the right direction.
Give us a call. Send an email. Whatever is easiest for you. Our goal is to meet you where you are and help ensure that the people you love are getting the attention that they need to thrive.
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