Visiting Angels: Helping Seniors to Age Their Way and Combat Loneliness
Loneliness can be physically and emotionally taxing for all of us, including seniors. Seniors benefit emotionally and physically when they feel connected and engaged.
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) explains: “Research has linked social isolation and loneliness to higher risks for a variety of physical and mental conditions: high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death.”
Visiting Angels provide non-medical care that fulfills our clients’ physical and social needs; here’s how we help.
A Fitting Arrangement
What do seniors need to thrive? In addition to their nutritional and medical basics, seniors need social engagement and connection. Their health can suffer when any of their needs are not being properly addressed. The NIA explains: “People who find themselves unexpectedly alone due to the death of a spouse or partner, separation from friends or family, retirement, loss of mobility, and lack of transportation are at particular risk. Conversely, people who engage in meaningful, productive activities with others tend to live longer, boost their mood, and have a sense of purpose. These activities seem to help maintain their well-being and may improve their cognitive function; studies show.”
When it comes to finding the right environment and support system, a lot is at stake. Seniors need to be nourished in all the right ways. Creating a suitable plan is key. Whether seniors are most comfortable living in their own homes or in a care facility, our Visiting Angles Caregivers can help make the arrangement a happy, healthy fit.
Companion Care
Visiting Angels Companion Care offers joyful companionship and meaningful social engagement on a routine basis. Our experienced caregivers have a passion for their work and a heart for caring for seniors. Caregivers also help clients by providing services like light housekeeping, running errands and grocery shopping. Caregivers can also assist clients with grooming, personal hygiene, medication monitoring and transportation needs.
Visiting Angels Caregivers create a personalized care program for each client, catering to the client’s specific health issues and their needs. It takes a team approach to ensure that the senior in your life is getting comprehensive care; Visiting Angels Caregivers are glad to be part of your loved one’s care team.
Social Care
Social Care is another way that Visiting Angels Caregivers promote engagement by teaching clients to connect on social media and online. It can be intimidating to learn the ropes and get connected. The Social Care program gives seniors the chance to learn from a professional who knows how to work with those just getting accustomed to technology. The pace is slow and comfortable with plenty of time to get acclimated and to ask questions. Plus, instruction is geared towards what seniors are most interested in learning - social networking, shopping, playing online games, etc. It’s a skill-building opportunity that’s geared especially for seniors.
Getting a Facebook or Instagram account is a great way to keep up with children and grandchildren. It’s also great fun to find old friends and to locate relatives. While physical social contact is irreplaceable, online connections can be a rewarding lifeline, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Care for Family Caregivers
Taking care of an ailing spouse, sibling or friend is an exceedingly generous act. It’s also an ongoing undertaking that can be difficult over time, especially when the caregiver is also a senior. A recent AARP survey finds that “Caregivers are 8 percent more likely to be lonely than those who are not caregivers.” If you are acting as a family caregiver, hats off to you! You are doing remarkable work!
But you deserve support in your work. It’s a lot for one person to take on daily care alone. By tagging in Visiting Angels, you take the pressure off yourself or your family caregiver, offering him or her the chance to designate some care duties to a professional. Plus, the family caregiver gets some much-needed time to him or herself.
Respite Care is also available, which gives the family caregiver a day, a weekend or a longer break to refresh and replenish, knowing that there loved one is under the care of a professional.
Visiting Angels Caregivers connect with the seniors in their care, helping them to feel happy, connected, and healthy. Connect with us to learn more and get started 817-952-3223.