It’s an upsetting fact, but many seniors are lonely. They might not feel that they can go out and socialize, or that nobody wants to come and visit them. It’s difficult when you get older as life takes its toll and health problems can get in the way of mobility and strength. There are some ways however that you can reach out to the elderly people in your family and even in your neighborhood.
Be available
Make sure they know you’re available. If it’s someone in your family don’t give up on them. Keep in touch on the phone, by email and, in person as often as possible. They might not always reply for a number of reasons. Sometimes older people can be more forgetful and have difficulties using the phone, or more advanced technology. It might be nice to volunteer as a kind of tutor for how to use a cell phone for example, or a computer. You could teach them yourself or encourage them to take a quick course. If you’re trying to make contact with a neighbor or a friend in the local community, show them the same patience as you would your own grandparents. It might take some time to gain their trust but it will be very rewarding when you do.
Once you have established contact, be sure to really take an interest in their lives. Always ask them how they are as they might reveal the roots of their loneliness or unhappiness. Be dependable so they know that they can rely on you. Make sure you don’t let them down by changing plans or letting other life stuff get in the way. Don’t be unrealistic with the amount of time you offer to spend with them.
Take them out
It’s a bit easier to take elderly people out at least now many of them use electric scooters for seniors. This helps with mobility and you can get around more easily. Try taking them to the park or out for lunch. This might be daunting to some people who haven’t left the house much in recent years, for various reasons, so be patient about this. They might simply want help or company to go shopping, to make them feel safer.
Ask an expert
If you are unsure about what to do with someone in your care, it’s always fine to ask someone else or an expert. It’s very difficult to look after somebody in their golden years and can quite stressful. Don’t worry if you need a little help.
The right professional care won’t only remove a weight of stress from your shoulders. It will also benefit your elderly loved one as they will gain expert care and benefit from forming a new connection with their worker. Experts at TheKey senior care are particularly supportive and deliver tailored plans to support you and your loved one. Working together will soon help you find a winning routine. Better still, your loved one will be happier to see that you’ll enjoy a better quality of life.
Organize an event
This is a great way to have fun with all the community. You could organize a meal or a picnic and invite people of all ages. You could start a tea or coffee group for seniors and pair them up with volunteers. This is a fun way to get them making friends and feeling less lonely. There are many more creative ideas available online, or you can ask your local community center.