The Importance of an Active Social Life for the Elderly

Depression is, unfortunately, a common affliction for many elderly people in New York City. Isolation, mourning, and in some cases, dementia-related illnesses are all common reasons for depression in seniors. When it’s your own mother, father, or another older relative (like a grandparent or an uncle), you want to spend as much time with them as possible. But you’re busy raising your own family and staying on top of your job. You can’t spend all day with them, or even visit as much you would like.

You’re not the only one facing this dilemma and help is available. Home care for the elderly is not restricted to seniors suffering from dementia or recovering from a surgery. Home care with the right agency evolves as your family needs it to, and it can begin with senior home care services in NYC. That means a personal support worker will come to your home to socialize with the loved one you’re worried about. If the elder in your life also suffers from limited mobility or they can’t manage household chores like they used to, a home caregiver can also help out. If your needs increase, the tasks you need to be done and the frequency of visits can change as well.

What does companion care look like?

To take New York City-based Mavencare as an example, companionship with an at home caregiver involves everything from shopping trips and doctor’s appointments to mealtimes and medication reminders.

Meal preparation – As mobility becomes an issue, your older parent may find it harder to reach frying pans or lack the strength to safely empty pots of boiling water. That can mean that they aren’t cooking what they may have for most of their lives, and aren’t getting enough nutrition. A caregiver can help with meal preparation, making sure your parent’s nutritional needs are satisfied, as well as providing some much-needed company at meal times.

Going shopping – If, whether it’s due to visual impairment or decreased mobility, your loved one has lost the ability to drive or safely take public transportation, it can be difficult for them to get the grocery store or go shopping for other necessities. A good sign that this is an issue is spoiled food or empty cupboards in your loved one’s kitchen.

Getting to the doctor’s – Another side effect of decreased mobility is trouble getting to the doctor. If they’ve missed a critical appointment because of bad weather or troubles with public transportation, caregivers with companies such as Mavencare can help them get where they’re going. You can also enjoy peace of mind knowing that your loved one has arrived safe, sound, and on time with a digital app that connects families with caregivers. Get live updates on your loved one throughout the day and always know that they’re safe.

Getting outdoors – While shopping and making doctor’s appointments is important, don’t undervalue the importance of getting outside for pleasure. If your loved one was always a gardener, spending a little time planting bulbs and pulling weeds in the sun can go a long way for their mental health. Bringing a caregiver into your loved one’s home (or your own) is a great way to prevent depression and improve the health of the senior in your life.

This is a guest blog post.