As the cheer from the holiday season fades and the weather turns colder, the brisk temperatures and reduced daylight can often exacerbate feelings of loneliness and isolation among older adults. This is particularly concerning considering the health consequences, with isolation leading to a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services. What’s more, the rate of older adults in the U.S. facing social isolation has increased every year since 1976, and today senior loneliness accounts for $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending each year.
Recognizing these harmful effects, it can’t be overstated how important social interaction is for older adults to improve their well-being, especially during winter. That’s where companionship from a caregiver can make all the difference by providing:
The Family & Nursing Care Difference
Family & Nursing Care is one of the oldest and most well-respected resources for private duty home care in the Mid-Atlantic region. We pride ourselves on offering access to empathetic, personal companion care that helps clients feel valued, secure, and connected to the community. Some ways caregivers can help combat feeling isolated or lonely includes:
“The winter can often be an isolating time of year for everyone, but especially older adults. That’s why it’s important to prioritize social connections, which can help improve your health and well-being,” said Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “One great way to help increase human connection is through the companionship of a caregiver – not only can an experienced caregiver support daily living activities, but that person can also serve as a shoulder to lean on if needed.”
Living independently doesn’t have to mean feeling alone, and now is a great time to decide to spend more time with a companion or in the community. Family & Nursing Care offers access to a range of care services to help with this and ensure human connection. To learn more, visit the Home Care Services or Contact Us pages on our website.