Loneliness Can Lead to Safety Concerns for Seniors, but Maybe Not in How You Think

Senior Care in Mt. Lebanon PA

Human beings are social creatures. We were designed to be surrounded by others. When a person spends most of their days alone, it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. That can also increase the risk of developing depression or other serious emotional challenges.
When we think of loneliness among seniors, we often don’t think about safety concerns.
We think about depression, anxiety, and frustration. We might worry about our aging parent, grandparent, or other family member living alone. We wish they could get out and meet other people. We may even encourage them to consider other living options that would put them in touch with their peers.
What we rarely tend to think about when we focus on the loneliness factor is safety.
Safety can be compromised in many different ways. As people get older they will lose strength. This can affect their balance, ability to get up and down stairs, to get out of bed safely, get into and out of the shower, and perform many other tasks they used to take for granted.
When a person is feeling lonely, they may have a tendency to do the same thing every single day. They might read for a while, they might try to do a puzzle, they may talk on the phone with some friends or family members, or they may watch TV. The longer this goes on for, the more likely they stop caring about themselves.
This is where safety becomes compromised.
A person who is feeling lonely, isolated, and even forgotten may not see the benefit in exercise, worrying about what they eat, or doing anything healthy for them. They may feel as though the best years of their life are behind them and there’s nothing to look forward to any longer.
When seniors are isolated and alone, safety can be compromised in many different ways. It could be compromised by those feelings of loneliness, a lack of focus, and a lack of caring about themselves.
What can be done about this now?
Talking about hiring a home care aide is a great option. Companionship can offer encouragement. Companionship can keep a senior focused. Companionship can offer hope.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Mt. Lebanon, PA, please contact the friendly staff at Liken Home Care.  Call (412) 693-6820 or (855) 856-0551