Something that family members of seniors don’t often think about is loneliness. But, if you can’t visit your mom or dad frequently, they may be lonely at home. Even if your senior parent loves their independence, loneliness can be a problem if they have difficulty getting out of the house.
Doctors and geriatricians warn that loneliness is becoming an epidemic among seniors. And being lonely can have significant health consequences for seniors. Seniors who are chronically lonely may have a higher risk of depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions.
If you are worried that your senior parent could be lonely at home, look for these signs of loneliness in seniors. If your mom or dad displays two or more of the signs on this list, it’s time to talk to them about companion care at home services:
Decline in Personal Hygiene
One of the more obvious signs that your mom or dad is lonely is a decline in personal hygiene. Seniors who are feeling isolated may lose motivation to maintain their grooming routines. You might notice that your parent is not showering regularly, their clothes are less clean, or their overall appearance has become more disheveled.
This neglect can be a reflection of their emotional state, where feelings of loneliness or depression manifest in how they care for themselves. They may feel like there’s no reason to take care of themselves if they never see anyone.
Companion care at home providers provide regular interaction, which can boost a senior’s confidence and desire to take better care of their hygiene.
Changes in Eating Habits
Significant changes in eating habits can be another red flag. If your senior parent suddenly starts skipping meals, eating very little, or living on convenience foods, it may indicate that they are struggling with motivation or depression. Loneliness can lead to a lack of interest in preparing or enjoying meals, which can further exacerbate physical health problems.
Often, seniors who experience the loss of a spouse will stop cooking meals or eating regular meals because eating alone reminds them of their loss. Companion care at home providers can make meals more fun and interesting to encourage your mom or dad to eat again.
Increased Use of Technology
While technology can be a great tool for staying connected, excessive use might be a sign of loneliness. If you notice that your parent spends an unusually large amount of time watching TV, playing online games, or scrolling through social media, it might be their way of filling the void of human interaction. They may be using these activities as a distraction from their feelings of loneliness.
With companion care at home services, seniors will have regular visits and activities to look forward to.
Emotional Changes
Emotional changes, such as increased sadness, irritability, or mood swings, can indicate that your mom or dad is struggling with loneliness. Seniors who feel lonely might become more withdrawn, have difficulty managing their emotions, or exhibit signs of depression. They may also express feelings of hopelessness or sadness more frequently, which can be a direct result of their social isolation.
With routine care and support from a companion care at home provider, your senior can gain emotional support and well-being and hopefully not be as lonely.
Physical Health Decline
Loneliness can have a profound impact on physical health. If you observe a noticeable decline in your senior parent’s physical health—such as weight loss, a lack of exercise, or frequent illnesses—it might be linked to their emotional state.
When someone is feeling lonely, they might neglect their health, leading to a downward spiral that affects their overall well-being. Companion care at home can bring some brightness and joy back to your mom or dad’s life at home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in St. Louis, MO, please contact the caring staff at Pear Tree Home Care today! (314) 942-9411
Pear Tree Home Care Provides Senior Home Care Services in St. Louis, Ladue, Chesterfield, Town and Country, Clayton, Des Peres, St. Charles, Wildwood, Brentwood, Maryland Heights, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Arnold, Oakville, Mehlville, Creve Coeur, St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Warren County, Jefferson County, and surrounding areas.
At Pear Tree we’re innovators. Our goal, to create a family of caregivers looking to provide a one of a kind experience to our clientele.
In 2016, our founders noticed a key problem in home care industry that everyone seemed to be ignoring.
It’s too systematic. Home care isn’t one size fits all. Just like people aren’t one size fits all.
That’s where Pear Tree comes in.
We yearn for you to have the best possible care for your loved ones and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they aren’t only in good hands. They’re in great hands. Because, in the end, that’s what we’d want for our family.
It’s proven. When the home care experience is immersive and personalized, you’re going to produce better success rates with healthier family members.
Please, join us in our journey of revolutionizing the home care industry and creating lasting relationships along the way.
This is not the first Home Care agency for Pat, she was the Director of nursing for Kimberly Nurses in 1980 and after the tragic passing of the companies president she opened and co-founded American Nursing Resources Home Health Agency. Pat opened and passed Medicare certification for ANRHHA Clayton and Washington, MO offices.
For Zachary, the name “Pear Tree” is a tribute to his beloved late friend; Wade Abbadessa. Wade worked at his family’s famous restaurant “The Pear Tree” in Macon, until his tragic death in September 2014. Wade lost his battle with a rare form of bone cancer at the young age of 26. His legacy will live on through our company.
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