If your senior parent is living alone at home, one of the biggest health risks they face is one that you may not have thought about. It’s loneliness. Studies show that seniors living at home have a high risk of becoming socially isolated and lonely.
Seniors who have mobility challenges, don’t drive, and don’t have family living nearby may go days without really seeing or talking to anyone. As a result, they can become isolated. And seniors who are chronically lonely or socially isolated have a higher risk of developing heart disease and other health problems.
Being lonely can also affect your senior parent’s quality of life. Even if you visit several times a week, that may not be enough social interaction to keep your senior parent healthy and connected to the world.
Companion care at home services is a great way to make sure that your senior parent is getting that very important socialization. If your senior parent has companion care at home, they will get regular visits from a companion who is there to spend quality time with them.
A companion care at home caregiver can play games and do activities with your senior parent. They can also share meals and conversations, take them out if they are able to go out, or help your senior parent use video chats or the phone to connect with family and friends.
Companion care at home providers can help seniors avoid health problems like:
Depression
One of the most common effects of loneliness is depression. Seniors who don’t have regular contact with others may feel unwanted, forgotten, or hopeless. These feelings can grow over time and turn into depression.
Signs of depression include sleeping too much or too little, losing interest in favorite activities, and feeling tired or worthless. Depression can also make other health problems worse because it lowers motivation to eat well, exercise, or take medicine.
Heart Problems
Loneliness can actually harm the heart. Studies show that people who are lonely are more likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease, or even a heart attack. This happens because loneliness causes stress, and stress makes the heart work harder.
When someone feels lonely often, their body may stay in “stress mode,” which increases the risk of heart problems. Seniors who feel lonely may also avoid going to the doctor or taking care of themselves, which adds to the danger.
Weaker Immune System
The immune system is the body’s way of fighting off sickness. But loneliness can make the immune system weaker. That means lonely seniors may get sick more often or take longer to recover from illness.
The stress and sadness that come with feeling alone can affect the body’s ability to protect itself. For older adults, even a small cold or infection can turn into something serious, so keeping the immune system strong is important.
Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline
Being socially active helps keep the brain healthy. Seniors who talk with others, play games, or take part in group activities are using their minds in ways that protect memory and thinking skills.
But when someone is lonely, they may not get that kind of brain exercise. This can lead to problems with memory and thinking clearly. In fact, loneliness has been linked to a higher risk of dementia. Staying connected can help keep the brain sharp, and companion care at home can help.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Cary, NC, please contact the caring staff at Affordable Family Care.
Serving Raleigh, Greensboro, and the surrounding areas in North Carolina. Call today at (919) 676-1070
- Why Seniors Living Alone Need Companion Care At Home - May 23, 2025
- Getting Your Elderly Parents’ Home Ready for Summer - May 9, 2025
- Five Factors That Can Lead to Poor Gut Health - April 28, 2025
