Visiting Angels Fresno, CA uses Elder Care and Social Media to Prevent Isolation Among Seniors

A public health crisis is arising when it comes to isolation among seniors. These seniors are more likely to experience physical and mental decline that those who are social. They tend to be isolated because of health issues restricted mobility. One new solution is using social media, something more and more seniors have been doing. Both you and your loved one’s Visiting Angels Fresno elder care provider can help your loved one get on social media and assisting them with the following:

Creating A Social Media Account

Along with Facebook and Instagram, sites like CaringBridge and Lotsa Helping Hands give your loved one an opportunity to keep in touch with friends. Our elder care professionals can take a day to sit down with them and set up a social media account.

FaceTime or Skype with Friends and Family

FaceTime and Skype both grant accessibility to video chat that is easy to use for people of any age group, even seniors. Using video chat to talk to friends and family can greatly reduce feelings of isolation in your loved one. Your loved one’s elder care professional can set up times to video chat with friends and family, as well as teaching them how to use the tool. Not only will this give them social interaction, but something to look forward to.

Encouraging Group Participation

Group participation is a great way for your loved one to interact with others without putting themselves out there too much. Private groups are also more likely to focus on specific interests or needs that your loved one might have. These groups offer both interaction and support through information and kind words.

Monitoring Usage for Safety

You can expect that your loved one will be checked up on regularly with Visiting Angels, especially when you don’t have time to. We will ask questions to ascertain the people who your loved one is accepting requests from and their overall social media usage habits.

Stepping Outside

Social media is an excellent tool for seniors to stay socially active, but it should be complementary to actual human interaction in-person. Your loved one should try to get out of the house and talk to people in real life.elde

Making connections online is definitely a good thing though, as it reduces the risk of isolation. And you don’t have to take it all upon yourself to help them do it. Our transportation services can help, all while providing social interaction themselves.

To learn more about how to prevent isolation in seniors with Visiting Angels of Marietta elder care, contact our office.