If your senior mom or dad lives alone and you live too far to visit them often, they may be lonely. Loneliness is a common problem that seniors aging in place face when their family members live in other states or very far away.
If your mom or dad is lonely, they may not want to tell you about it because they may not want to pressure you to visit. But loneliness can cause serious health problems for seniors, like increasing their risk of heart disease, anxiety, and depression.
You can do things to make sure that your mom or dad isn’t lonely at home, even if you can’t visit them as often as you would like. Getting companion care at home is a great way to keep your mom or dad from being lonely at home.
Companion care at home is specialized home care for seniors. When your mom or dad has companion care at home care provider will visit them on a regular schedule just to hang out, share conversations, play games, do activities, and share meals with your mom or dad. They can give your mom or dad the kind of one-on-one focused attention that will keep your senior parent actively socially engaged, happy, and healthy.
Some other things that you can do to make sure that your senior parent isn’t lonely at home are:
1. Call Regularly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to help your senior parent avoid loneliness is to call them regularly. Set a consistent schedule, such as calling every evening or every weekend, so they can look forward to hearing from you.
During your calls, focus on having meaningful conversations. Ask about their day, their feelings, and their memories. Share details about your life, too, so they feel included. Just hearing your voice can be enough to let them know you care, which can make them feel important and valued.
2. Send Letters, Cards, and Care Packages
While phone calls are wonderful, there’s something special about receiving physical mail. Take the time to send handwritten letters or cards to your mom or dad. Many seniors love getting greeting cards or packages in the mail.
Share updates about your life, include family photos or write about a funny memory you’ve shared. You can also send care packages filled with their favorite snacks, books, or small gifts.
These thoughtful gestures show your mom or dad that you’re thinking about them. Receiving mail gives them something to look forward to and can be a tangible reminder of your love and connection.
3. Help Them Stay Connected with Family and Friends
If your mom or dad is comfortable using technology, encourage them to stay connected with family and friends through video calls, emails, or social media. Help them set up the tools they need, such as a tablet or smartphone, and show them how to use them.
Staying connected with loved ones helps prevent feelings of isolation. When your parent feels supported by a network of people, they are less likely to feel lonely.
4. Share Activities They Can Enjoy from Afar
Even from a distance, you can find ways to share activities with your senior parent. For example, you can both read the same book and discuss it during your calls. You might also watch the same TV shows or movies and talk about them afterward. Another idea is to play online games together, like word puzzles or trivia.
These shared activities give your parent something fun to do and create a sense of connection as if you’re spending time together even when you’re apart.
5. Encourage New Hobbies or Interests
Encourage your mom or dad to try new hobbies or do things they have always wanted to do. Often, parents put off developing their own interests to take care of their kids. Remind your mom or dad that now it’s their time to learn something they have always wanted to learn.
Whether knitting, painting, gardening, or learning a new recipe, hobbies can bring joy and purpose. You can help by sending them supplies or resources, like a book on gardening tips or an online course subscription.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, please contact the caring staff at Actify Home Care today at (954) 902-6049
Actify Home Care provides exceptional home and facility care for anyone in Broward County, including Ft. Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Parkland, Sunrise, Plantation, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Tamarac, Coral Springs, Miramar, Florida, and surrounding areas.
We offer services all around the South Florida area, if you have questions for us or don’t see your area listed just ask, we’d be happy to help. Contact us today!
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