How a Caregiver can Help Reduce Senior Isolation in Central Coast, CA with Social Media

A caregiver from Visiting Angels Central Coast, CA can help your aging parent or relative stay in touch with those they care about most with social media

Isolation and loneliness are serious concerns in senior years. To prevent your loved one from feeling lonely and disconnected from the world around them, you may wish to introduce them to social media.

Here's how you or a professional caregiver can help your parent or relative in Santa Cruz, Marina, Scotts Valley and surrounding areas in California reap all the benefits of using popular social media platforms.

1. Setting up an account on social platforms

The first step obviously is to help your loved one set up a Facebook or Instagram account. In addition to these famous platforms, you can also set up accounts on sites such as CaringBridge or Lotsa Helping Hands, which are platforms developed specifically for caregivers and seniors. These websites offer a high level of privacy and make sure your private information stays private and secure. Whatever platform your loved one chooses, you should set some time aside to show them how to use the site of their choice, how to connect with friends and family, and how to stay safe online.

2. Scheduling FaceTime or Skype sessions with family and friends

You or an expert caregiver can show your loved one how to use video platforms such as Skype and FaceTime to communicate with the people they care about. While your loved one may prefer to see their nearest and dearest in person, that is not always possible. With the help of Skype and FaceTime, they can see and speak to their close friends and family members, especially grandkids who use such platforms on a regular basis. Ideally, your loved one should schedule online calls, as this will give them something to look forward to without disrupting their routine.

3. Participating in online support groups

Nowadays, there are many groups online that connect people with similar interests and passions. Facebook groups are an especially good way to meet new folks but still remaining somewhat private and underexposed. Your loved one can join groups that fit their social connectivity needs - for instance, they may wish to talk to people who have the same hobby or connect with others diagnosed with the same condition. Keep in mind that, as a family caregiver for your loved one, you may also greatly benefit from groups where primary care providers gather to discuss their caregiving responsibilities, ask for advice, and share stories.

4. Maximizing online safety

There are many fraudsters online that particularly target older adults, so you need to make sure that your loved one is safe while browsing the net. However, in order not to make your loved one feel like they are monitored or that their independence is minimized, you need to do this with lots of sensitivity. Instead of spying on their online activity, it is a good idea to check up on your loved one frequently and ask them about what they are doing online.

5. Socializing offline

Social media is an excellent way for seniors to remain connected, but it should never be a replacement for offline socialization. Social platforms can allow your loved one to easily communicate with family and friends, meet new like-minded people, and significantly reduce the risk of isolation. They have numerous advantages and should be used, but your loved one should not solely rely on social networks for their interactions with others. You may want to consider hiring a professional caregiver who can provide your loved one with assistance with daily tasks and help them find the right balance between online and offline socialization - they can help them use social media and be there to offer support, comfort, and an important social connection.

Want to help your loved one stay connected through social media? Contact Visiting Angels Central Coast in Santa Cruz, CA to get started.