Visiting Angels Senior Home Care Services Use Social Media to Prevent Isolation in Seniors in Bangor, ME

Our Senior Home Care Services Can Help Your Elderly Loved One in Bangor Get Social!

Isolation among seniors is very rapidly becoming a serious public health issue. Isolated seniors tend to have a higher likelihood or mental and physical decline than those who are socially active. These seniors are usually isolated due to health and mobility, but also because of loss. One potential solution for this is social media usage, which is becoming a trend among seniors. Family members and Visiting Angels of Bangor, ME senior home care services can help with this new trend. Here are some things your loved one can do to stay connected:

Create A Social Media Account

Facebook and Instagram are the popular sites, but CaringBridge and Lotsa Helping Hands also allow your loved one to stay in touch with family and friends. Visiting Angels Bangor, ME senior home care services can set aside a day to create an account with your loved one while making sure the appropriate privacy settings are in place.

FaceTime or Skype with Family and Friends

Apps and features like FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Skype allow your loved one to video chat with people. Seeing family over video chat can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Planning these video chats can also provide your loved one with structure and something to look forward to.

Encourage Group Interaction

Private Facebook groups are a perfect way to get involved without exposing your loved one too much. These groups are also more tailored to your loved one’s interests and social needs. Many of these groups are helpful for your loved one, providing support through words of encouragement and insights.

Monitor Usage for Safety

You should check in with your loved one on a regular basis, asking questions about social media usage. By asking questions you may be able to find out if your loved one is accepting requests from strangers. You can also get an idea of how they use social media. Our senior home care services can also pose questions to find out these things for you.

Get Out In Real Life

While social media is incredibly helpful in staying connected socially, it should not replace your loved one leaving the house and interacting with people in real life. Encourage your loved one to get out and do things with friends. Our caregivers will also help your loved one get out of the house with our transportation services.

Assisting your loved one with social media so they can make connections can have a profound effect on health and well-being, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our senior home care services can help your loved one use social media, while also offering a social connection at home.

Learn more about how Visiting Angels of Bangor, ME can help your loved one.