How You or an In Home Caregiver Can Prevent Senior Isolation & Loneliness in Eldersburg, MD with the Use of Social Media Platforms

With the help of an in home caregiver from Visiting Angels in Eldersburg, MD, your loved one can learn how to use social media so they don’t feel isolated from their friends and family

Many seniors feel lonely and isolated as they age. Fortunately, they can remain connected and prevent these issues with the use of social media sites, where they can talk to people, make new friends, and stay entertained.

Whether you or an in home caregiver are taking care of your loved one, it is wise to introduce them to social media and all the benefits these sites can bring to their life. Here's what you can do:

1. Setting up a social media account

You can start by telling your loved one about the most popular social media sites, like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and set up an account on a platform they deem is best for their needs. You can also show them sites like CaringBridge or Lotsa Helping Hands, which were created for caregivers and seniors and which offer exceptionally high privacy and security levels. Once your loved one's account is set up, it is important to talk to them about how to use these sites, how to connect with other people, and how to stay safe.

2. Scheduling video call dates

While your loved one may wish to see more of you and your family in real life, video sessions via Skype or FaceTime are the next best thing. These platforms are super popular among younger people, so this is an excellent opportunity for your loved one to talk and bond with their grandkids. You or an in home caregiver can set up a schedule of video calls so your loved one can have something to look forward to and maintain their preferred routine at the same time.

3. Joining online support groups

Online support groups have been gaining in popularity in recent times - and for a good reason. With these groups, especially on Facebook, your loved one can connect with like-minded people or people with similar interests but still limit their online exposure. Support groups allow seniors to talk to folks with similar experiences and share their stories. However, these groups are not just good for seniors but for family caregivers too. If you are your loved one's in home caregiver, you may also wish to consider joining groups where care providers discuss all aspects of caregiving.

4. Boosting online safety & security

Seniors are often the victims of online scams and frauds. To make sure this doesn't happen to your loved one, you should non-invasively monitor their online activity. Of course, this doesn't mean you should spy on them or invade their privacy - but you need to ensure they are safe online. The best way to do this is to talk to them about social media on a regular basis. You can ask them how many new friends they added on Facebook this week or what new features they started using. This way, you will gain a better understanding of their online behavior.

5. Connecting with others in real life

Social media undoubtedly comes with many benefits. However, as useful and interesting it is, it cannot and should not replace real life interaction with friends and family. That is why it is crucial to encourage your loved one to nurture their offline relationships and go out as much as they can. You can also consider hiring a professional in home caregiver who can help them with daily tasks, assist them with social media, and provide them with plenty of conversation and interaction.

To learn more about how an in home caregiver can help your loved one stay connected through social media, contact Visiting Angels in Eldersburg, MD today.