Are There Signs of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Seniors?

Humans are social beings, although the individual needs do vary in terms of how much socialization is right for each person. When aging adults aren’t getting enough social interaction, there are signs, even if they might seem a bit subtle. Family caregivers can stay alert for these indications, which then allows them to put solutions in place, like bringing in companion care at home to spend time with seniors.

Physical Signs

Sometimes physical signs are the easiest ones to spot in aging adults. Seniors might experience changes in appetite or weight loss that they didn’t intend. Unfortunately, changes in eating habits can quickly lead to malnutrition, so this needs to get addressed quickly. Other physical signs might include reduced energy levels or fatigue. Some seniors may also start to neglect their personal hygiene or their appearance might change.

Cognitive Signs

For some seniors, loneliness and social isolation cause cognitive symptoms. That might look like confusion or forgetfulness that have increased over time. Or seniors might have trouble concentrating, making decisions, or solving problems. Sometimes seniors don’t realize they’re not getting enough social engagement and start to worry that these signs are related to true memory problems or cognitive illnesses like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Resolving the emotional issues, like the loneliness, helps to reverse these symptoms.

Emotional Signs

Many aging adults experience the emotional symptoms of isolation and loneliness. Some of these look very much like depression, including persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings. Seniors may also appear less interested in hobbies or activities that they usually love engaging in. These signs often appear because seniors are frustrated by how they’re feeling and how much they miss social interactions.

Tips for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are already doing so much. In fact, it’s so easy to overlook some of these signs when family caregivers are balancing caring for seniors with other obligations, like a career and caring for others. Taking the time to regularly communicate with seniors and really stop to listen can help. Non-verbal cues may say a lot more than seniors will verbally, too. It can be tough for anyone to admit that they’re lonely and that they need more companionship.

Companion Care at Home Can Help

Home care services are a great way to offer seniors hands-on assistance with tasks. But if what seniors primarily need is companionship, then companion care at home is the better solution. Companion caregivers drop in to visit with aging adults, spending time with them engaging in hobbies, building meaningful connections, and just talking with seniors. This is a powerful way for seniors to get the emotional support and social engagement that they have been missing. These visits can happen on a timetable that suits the aging adult, making it convenient for them and their needs.

Recognizing that there’s something missing is the truly important first step in solving the problem of social isolation. Companion care at home offers personalized emotional and social support, helping seniors to reduce their loneliness and isolation and promoting a fulfilling life.

If you are considering companion care at home in Summerlin, NV for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care of Summerlin. 702-800-4616.