How Social Media Can Help Your Loved One Communicate with Family and At Home Care Providers and Combat Isolation

At home care providers, like caregivers from Visiting Angels, can help seniors in Gastonia, NC stay connected to friends and family by being active on social media

Social isolation is a serious problem among the elderly population. Lack of companionship and meaningful social contact can trigger depression and amplify the risk of developing a number of health issues. In fact, according to a study conducted by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), isolated seniors have a higher risk of physical and cognitive decline than their socially connected and active peers.

Nowadays, more and more seniors are using social media as a means to make new friends and stay connected. If you are providing at home care for a loved one in Gastonia, NC who is still living independently, consider helping them make a presence online. This can open a whole new world of friendship and support, reduce the risks of isolation, and foster improved health and wellbeing. Here’s how:

Set up a social media or caregiving share site account

Help your senior loved one set up a Facebook or Instagram profile. Set aside one afternoon to create an account and show them how these platforms work. Make sure to set the privacy settings in order to avoid any safety concerns. Getting your loved one started with social media is the first step toward fostering vital connections with new and old friends.

Additionally, sites like CaringBridge or Lotsa Helping Hands offer at home care providers and care recipients the possibility to communicate by changing care needs and health needs statuses and keeping in touch with family and friends. It is good to know that these sites provide more privacy and high protection of personal information.

Make FaceTime or Skype dates with friends and family

Communication platforms such as FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or Skype make video chat available for all ages. Although having the grandkids visit in person is much better, seeing their faces on Skype on a weekly basis may mean the world to Mom or Dad, especially if the family lives far away. Scheduling these video calls will give your loved one something to look forward to.

Encourage online support group participation

These days, millions of social media users participate in groups on Facebook. These groups, particularly closed ones, can be a great way for your loved one to connect with like-minded people online while keeping their exposure fairly limited.

By joining support groups, both caregivers and their loved ones can gain access to valuable information, insights, and encouragement.

Monitor Internet use for safe browsing

As risks of identity theft and online frauds are significant, make sure your loved one is safely browsing the Internet. You might want to do this discreetly as you don’t want to minimize their sense of independence or hurt their feelings. Check in with your loved one on a regular basis, but make it sound like small talk rather than an interrogation.

Get out in real-time

While social media may have many advantages, it should never be a replacement for going out or spending time with friends and family. Encourage your loved one to stay active and get out and socialize as much as they can.

If you are a primary caregiver, consider hiring a professional at home care provider like Visiting Angels in Gastonia, NC. This can make a big difference for both of you – your loved one could enjoy the company of a friendly caregiver when you’re not around while you would have more time for yourself.

Visiting Angels of Gastonia, NC, is a leading provider of non-medical at home care services for seniors. To learn more about the in-home assisted living services provided by our staff of compassionate caregivers, please call our Gastonia office at (704) 825-3350 or contact us for more information.

Visiting Angels proudly serves Alexis, Belmont, Bessemer City, Boiling Springs, Casar, Charlotte, Cherryville, Cramerton, Crouse, Dallas, Earl, Fallston, Gastonia, High Shoals, Iron Station, Kings Mountain, Lattimore, Lawndale, Lincolnton, Lowell, McAdenville, Mooresboro, Polkville, Shelby, Stanley, Vale, Waco, and the surrounding areas of North Carolina.