It’s not uncommon at all for senior family members to start becoming more and more isolated. This can happen for a variety of reasons and it might happen so gradually that at first you don’t notice.
Mobility Issues
When it’s difficult to get around safely, your senior might opt to simply stay at home in familiar surroundings. Your elderly family member might also find it embarrassing to use assistive devices in public. She may not want to be seen as someone who is frail or clumsy, especially in public.
Declining Health
If your elderly family member’s health is worsening, she might be concerned about being away from home. This is especially true if she needs items such as oxygen or other tools. Your elderly family member might also be easily exhausted, which can keep her at home. Talk with her doctor about what else she can do.
Grief and Loss
Losing people that she loves can keep your senior from wanting to be out and about. But don’t forget that there are other types of grief, too. Your elderly family member might be in mourning for the skills and abilities that she’s lost over the years or to poor health. This is a powerful type of loss that she may never fully get over.
A Strained Budget
Many aging adults live on an extremely tight budget and not only does healthcare keep getting more expensive but so do other things that she needs. It’s embarrassing to admit this, though. Your elderly family member might not want to be a burden in any way and that can keep her quiet about her financial worries.
Transportation Issues
Your elderly family member may find that driving is not much fun anymore but it can also be downright dangerous for her to do. As a result, she might start staying at home a lot more often because it’s so scary to be behind the wheel. If you know that this is an issue for your elderly family member, you can take steps to help her to get where she needs to go. Many seniors aren’t going to volunteer this information, though.
Your aging adult might need time to adjust to being more socially active, so be careful how much you push. Determine what you can do and how friends and family members can help. Hiring senior care providers can be another good way to solve several of these issues for your elderly family member.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME SENIOR CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.