Over the Winter months, we all tend to hibernate a bit more than usual, but for Seniors this Season can be particularly isolating. Many people often ask what they can do if a loved one is isolated. Below are a few suggestions:
• Address any underlying health issues-Being proactive about Seniors health can help them feel better on a more day-to-day basis. Make sure your loved one gets regular ear and eye exams, as well as regular check-ups. It can diminish the social anxiety related to hearing and vision concerns.
• Connect with family, friends and neighbors-Enlist the help of others who may be nearby to visit and check-in on an elderly loved one, if you can’t. Call and email often to keep connections strong when you can’t visit.
• Prevent Senior Malnutrition with food delivery-Seniors who live on their own are at risk for poor nutrition. Consider getting food delivered by an on-line grocery service or by an organization such as Meals on Wheels, which can provide both nutritious food and social contact.
• Encourage safe transportation and mobility-encourage the use of walkers and other assistive devices when your loved one is going out during the Winter months. Drive them to appointments when you can or arrange for taxi service during this time.
• Connect elderly loved ones with necessary local services-Don’t hesitate to contact Community Care Access to see if they have any care services that they can provide in their home. Connecting to local Seniors programs is also important to prevent isolation.
• Consider an Independent Living Residence or Respite Care-Sometimes our loved ones need more care than we are able to provide. Independent living residences encourage social, mental and physical activities to keep isolation at bay, with the bonus of having care needs supported on-site.
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