Do you have an elderly loved one who is limited in how and when she can leave her home? Many seniors struggle with getting out and connecting with others for various reasons, and those obstacles can lead them to become isolated or feel lonely. Your elderly loved one worked hard to get to this point in her life and your hope is for her to be able to enjoy it to its fullest; personal care at home can help.
What Keeps Seniors At Home
For many elderly people, leaving the home and going to areas where large groups of people gather is not ideal. This can limit some of the activities that they can enjoy. It might reduce their ability to connect with friends or build new relationships.
Some reasons an elderly person may find themselves homebound can include:
- Physical limitations. Your loved one might need assistance with walking and is not comfortable trying to navigate large crowds with a walker or using a scooter.
- Cognitive problems. In the early stages of dementia, many seniors struggle with getting lost or becoming confused, especially in stimulating environments. Your loved one may fear getting lost and thus, not want to venture out like she used to.
- Inability to drive. Once an elderly person has lost the ability to drive, it can severely limit how she gets to places on her own and joins in on fun community events or visits with friends.
- Health concerns. Some health conditions can make being in public places dangerous for an elderly person who has a weakened immune system.
- Anxiety. Many elderly people become afraid of unknown places and people, especially if they find themselves often reading frightening news reports or listening to shows that promote fear of crime, the environment, or different cultures.
Three Ways Your Senior Can Connect Without Leaving Her Home or Neighborhood
When life changes and a person’s ability to do certain things changes, it’s important to help your loved one adapt to those changes so she can continue to thrive where she is. She might not be able to do everything she used to do when she was younger, but she can still find new ways to build connections and reduce her feelings of isolation.
- Get savvy about using the internet. While younger generations may have grown up with online interactions, many senior citizens are finding it’s a great way for them to connect. Real friendships and deep connections can be made online when used safely. Your loved one can find groups that love what she loves or connect with friends and family that are far away.
- Use video calling. From smartphones to laptops, your loved one can use video calling to connect with those she loves even if she cannot physically be there. She can read stories to her grandkids, help her niece prepare a meal, or chat with an old friend.
- Have others come to her. If your loved one can’t get out, and her health doesn’t prevent it, she can have others come to her. She can invite friends over for tea or hire a personal care at home provider to visit her regularly. Personal care at home providers can play games, help with meals, or provide a listening ear when your loved one needs it. If your loved one is homebound due to physical or cognitive limitations, a personal care at home provider can help her stay connected.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Woodbridge, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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