Emotional Care and Social Care
EMOTIONAL CARE -- KEEPING PEOPLE POSITIVE
We go beyond physical care and put an emphasis on emotional care.
We find that mental wellness is directly correlated to physical wellness. When people feel good about themselves, they do better than people who are depressed, have given up, or don't believe their circumstances will ever improve. Our caregivers are trained to watch out for the emotional feelings of their Angel Family member and to take steps to try and keep them feeling positive.
SOCIAL CARE - KEEPING PEOPLE SOCIALIZED
We find seniors, especially those living in the home, tend to become socially isolated.
Their friends no longer come visit and they themselves find it a struggle to get out of the house. Our caregivers encourage their Angel Family members to stay social. We get them to visit friends, or engage in social activities in the community. We also teach them how to use social media such as FaceBook, Instagram, and X. We help them find old friends they may have lost touch with. We show them how to identify groups that tap into their history or peak their interests. We also teach them how to use Zoom and FaceTime so they can video chat with kids and grandkids.
CASE STUDY - THE ART STUDIO
Julie* was an accomplished artist. Unfortunately, when she had to move to a senior community, she left her house and her art studio behind. While helping Julie, the Michelle, her caregiver noticed Julie had little motivation to do anything. She simply sat around the apartment. Michelle brought her concern to Julie's brother, who was coordinating her care. When Julie spoke to her brother, she mentioned how hard it was to move out of her house and lose her art studio.
"My art studio was central to who I was." Julie said. "When I left the house I had to leave it behind. Now I have nothing."
"What else can you do?" Her brother replied. "There are a lot of activities at community. Surely you can find some you like."
Michelle saw the loss of Julie's studio was having a major impact on Julie's emotional well-being.
"Why can't we build an art studio in your apartment here?" Michelle asked. "You have a two bedroom apartment. We can use the second bedroom."
"I suppose we could?" Julie replied. "We'd have to get a lot of supplies and some furniture."
"You tell me what you need, and we'll coordinate to get it." Michelle said.
Michelle and Julie set a date to complete the art studio. Julie began putting a list of supplies they needed together and Michelle worked with the office staff to get the help needed to make it happen.
Julie's demeanor changed almost instantly. Instead of sitting depressed on her couch simply waiting for each day to end, she had a goal and motivation. Julie had something to look forward to. She brightened up
EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL CARE RESOURCES
There are a number of resources in the community to keep seniors active. We work with a number of them so we always have fresh opportunities available outside the home. These include:
Impact of Social Isolation on Seniors
Connect2affect - AARP Tool to Overcome Social Isolation
National Institute of Health - Tips for Staying Connected
If you need ideas for emotional or social care, give us a call -- even if you're not actively getting support from us. We'll be glad to help!
Our number is easy to remember: 757-525-2525
Serving Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and the Southern Hampton Roads Area
Visiting Angels NORFOLK, VA
273 Granby St #200Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-525-2525