News & Resources

Looking for an impactful New Year’s resolution? Why not start with fostering deeper social connections, which can lead to longer life, better health, and improved well-being!

On the heels of a holiday season often focused on family, friends, and camaraderie, many of us may feel a bit lonelier and for valid reasons. In 2023, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory calling attention to the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in America – which has a particularly outsized effect on older adults. In fact, the rate of older Americans facing social isolation has increased every year since 1976, and today senior loneliness accounts for $6.7 billion in excess Medicare spending each year. The health consequences are equally alarming with a 29% increased risk of heart disease, 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia.

The Advisory At-a-Glance

Advisories are reserved for significant public health challenges that need people’s immediate attention. In addition to examining the epidemic of loneliness and isolation in America – which increases the risk for premature death to levels comparable to smoking daily – the advisory outlines a framework to enhance social connection based on six pillars:

1. Strengthen social infrastructure. Create communities and institutions, including parks, libraries, playgrounds, and programs, that bring people together.
2. Enact pro-connection public policies. Governments at all levels play a role in creating policies like accessible transportation that can enable more connections.
3. Mobilize the health sector. Because loneliness and isolation are risk factors for major health conditions, it’s incumbent on health care providers to recognize the signs and intervene.
4. Reform digital environments. Evaluate the role of technology to ensure it doesn’t detract from connection with others.
5. Deepen our knowledge. More research is needed to understand the risks, causes and outcomes of social disconnection as well as the effectiveness of implementing efforts to enhance connection.
6. Cultivate a culture of connection. Societal norms significantly impact people’s relationships and it’s critical for connection to be embedded in the fabric of the country’s culture.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is one of the oldest and most well-respected private duty home care businesses in the greater Maryland and Washington, D.C. area. We pride ourselves on offering access to empathetic, personal companion care that helps clients feel valued, secure, and connected to the community. Some ways the Caregivers we work with can help combat feeling isolated or lonely includes:

• General Companionship: In addition to helping with meeting nutritional needs, personal care, and appointments, Caregivers can become close confidants and provide older adults with an outlet and space to share feelings, thoughts, and stories. Loneliness can be curbed with something as simple as sharing a meal or having regular conversations. Caregivers and clients often develop a connection like that of a friend or family member.
• Social Access: Mobility and transportation issues can inhibit social interaction, but you can leave those woes behind! A professional Caregiver can accompany clients to social events and get togethers, including senior clubs, knitting circles, and more, offering tons of opportunities to connect with potential new friends.

“There’s no better time than the start of a new year to embrace the companionship of a Caregiver,” said Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “Human connection has both mental and physical health benefits and our team is passionate about providing our clients access to customized personal care services in order to help with health needs but also create a better quality of life through social interaction.”

Living independently doesn’t have to mean feeling alone, and 2024 is a great year to decide to spend more time 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, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care Services or Contact Us webpages.