If you live far away from your mom or dad and you’re not there to observe their behavior, your mom or dad could be suffering from loneliness without you knowing. Often, seniors who have kids who live far away don’t share their feelings of isolation or loneliness. Your mom or dad may not mention being sad, lonely, or bored because they don’t want to burden you or make you feel bad. Companion care at home services can help.
Seniors often keep negative feelings to themselves because they are afraid their children won’t call or visit if they express negative feelings. But you need to know if your mom or dad is lonely at home. Loneliness can cause serious physical and mental health problems for seniors. If your mom or dad is lonely, companion care at home providers can help them get the social engagement they need. With companion care at home, your mom or dad will get regular visits from a friend with whom they can share conversations, do activities, and share meals.
But to figure out if your mom or dad is lonely living alone and in need of companion care at home services, you have to recognize the signs. The most common signs of loneliness in seniors are:
1. Withdrawal from Social Activities
One of the most noticeable signs of loneliness is a decline in social engagement. Seniors who used to enjoy community events, family gatherings, or regular activities may start to withdraw. They might avoid outings, make excuses to skip events, or seem uninterested in connecting with others.
This withdrawal often stems from feelings of being unimportant or misunderstood. Sometimes, health issues like hearing loss or mobility challenges exacerbate the isolation, making it harder to participate in social situations.
If your mom or dad has trouble getting out of the house, doesn’t drive, or doesn’t have a lot of friends in the neighborhood they may feel like they’ve been forgotten at home.
2. Increased Signs of Depression or Anxiety
Loneliness and mental health issues often go hand in hand. Chronic loneliness can manifest as sadness, a sense of hopelessness, or persistent worry. Signs to look out for include:
- Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed.
- Trouble sleeping or oversleeping.
- Low energy or noticeable fatigue.
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness or saying they feel forgotten.
Your mom or dad may also express heightened anxiety about being alone or fear of leaving their home, which can be due to loneliness or lack of socialization. The more time your senior parent spends alone, the more they will want to stay isolated.
3. Changes in Physical Health
Loneliness doesn’t just affect mental health—it can also take a toll on the body. Seniors experiencing loneliness might complain of aches, pains, or unexplained health issues. Research has shown that loneliness can weaken the immune system, increase inflammation, and contribute to chronic conditions such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
In some cases, neglect of personal care can also be a sign. They might skip meals, forget medications, or let their hygiene slip, all of which are subtle indicators of underlying loneliness.
4. Frequent Conversations About the Past
Seniors who feel lonely often dwell on memories of happier times when they felt more connected or loved. They may frequently reminisce about past relationships, events, or times when their life felt more fulfilling.
While nostalgia is natural, excessive focus on the past may indicate that the person is yearning for companionship and struggling with feelings of isolation in the present. Companion care at home providers can spend time with your senior, listening to stories and reminiscing to give them an outlet to express themselves.
5. Seeking Constant Contact
On the flip side of withdrawal, some lonely seniors may exhibit behaviors suggesting they crave connection. They might call or message frequently, even when there’s little to discuss, just to hear someone’s voice. These seniors may also prolong conversations, showing reluctance to hang up or leave when they finally have company.
While this can stem from genuine affection, it often indicates a deeper need for companionship and reassurance that they are not alone. If you notice that your mom or dad doesn’t want to hang up the phone, calls more often than they used to, or keeps asking you to visit, they are trying to tell you that they’re lonely. Consider getting companion care at home service for them to help avoid loneliness and isolation.
If you or someone you know needs Companion Care at Home in Mankato, MN, contact Adara Home Health. We provide quality and affordable home care services for many fragile or senior members in the communities we serve. Call us at (888) 525-7742 for more information.