How Does the Visiting Angels Social Care Program Support Your Senior Loved One?

Your senior loved one may have once been the president of a corporation, principal of a school, a volunteer at the animal rescue, or a marketing manager. As the years pass, life circumstances change, resulting in a potentially higher rate of social isolation. Retirement may bring a reduced sense of togetherness with colleagues. Family and friends may have relocated. Spouses or lifelong friends may have passed. Your senior loved one may no longer be able to drive. Additionally, they may have difficulty walking the long distances required for some activities. The pandemic has added another layer of isolation. 

Socialization remains essential for the long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical health of your senior loved one. Cognitive stimulation provided during social activities slows memory loss and helps keep your loved one mentally sharper. Socialization promotes emotional health by maintaining feelings of self-esteem, acceptance, belonging, and assists with sustaining long-term friendships in addition to opportunities for new ones. Physically active socialization helps boost the immune system, maintain muscle strength, lower the impact of a new illness, preserve cardiovascular health, and improve sleep. Overall, quality of life is improved.

How can the Visiting Angels Social Care Program provide support for your senior loved one?

Our caregivers can coach in the use of electronics that facilitate interconnectedness such as:

• Computer 101 including browsing the internet and shopping online. Senior loved ones can watch funny videos or learn a new recipe. Online games, such as word games, card games, or trivia games, can be interactive among family and friends. Religious organizations stream services online as well.
• Print/written communication, including texting, email, and social media websites (Facebook), as a means to stay connected with others.
• Video chat platforms, such as Zoom and Skype, for virtual face-to-face interaction.
• Voice communication using smartphones.

In addition to electronics, we can assist with indoor activities that facilitate socialization, such as establishing a pen-pal and electronically reminiscing over photos and videos from years past.

Now that summer is here, a Visiting Angels Coastal Alabama home-care provider can assist your loved one outdoors during social activities, such as gardening club, walking group, driving by family members' homes or participating in a birthday car parade. Although social distancing guidelines remain in place due to COVID-19, your senior loved one can still participate in many social activities while using appropriate precautions.

Socializing from a distance is our new normal for the indefinite future.  We can help ease any negative impact. If you would like to learn more about the Visiting Angels Social Care Program, please call our office today at 251-333-6831 or contact us online for more information.