We want our loved ones to be happy but happiness is not a given in later years.
Loneliness plagues the people we love. And understandably, the world can get smaller when you have left the workplace, and your family is grown and out of the house, and/or your friends have moved away or passed on.
But you or your loved ones might not want to leave your home and move into a retirement home to be around other people. So, while it's important to look after your health and home, it's just as important to have genuine connections with people to keep loneliness and isolation at bay.
Here are 5 ways a genuine companion can banish loneliness in Elders
1. Making time for connection
A trusted companion is someone to talk to and for Elders living alone, it makes a big difference to their feelings of isolation. The right carer won’t make it feel like a job – it’s quality time well spent chatting, having a cup of tea, reading books, playing board games, or going on errands together.
2. Staying social
Your carer isn’t just there to take care of your physical needs, they are there as a bridge to keep you socially connected and active in your community, church, social groups, and other hobbies. This connection to the outside world with someone you trust is a safe, supportive way to boost mental and emotional well-being.
3. Limiting exposure to the news
Elders often count television as their primary companion day in and day out. While it’s good to stay on top of what’s going on in the world, too much time in front of the TV can have a negative impact on your frame of mind. Having a person to share your time with can make time away from the TV easier and far more pleasant.
4. Enjoying nature
Spending time in nature is a natural mood lifter. Outings to beautiful spots like the beach for an ice cream or a drive along the coast can do wonders for the soul. It’s hard to be lonely when you are with someone or people who care about you, enjoying the little things in life.
5. Finding ways to help others
Nothing soothes loneliness like finding ways to help others. Maybe there’s a group of ladies who knit baby blankets or a soup kitchen or some other way to focus your attention on someone else’s needs for a while. An intuitive, connected companion can help your loved one find a way to bring purpose and meaning to their lives again.
At the CareCompany we match our highly trained carers and companions carefully to ensure the best fit. Our goal is to help you to keep living a good life and that’s why we work with only the best carers. We know the value of a healthy relationship in keeping you healthy and easing periods of loneliness.
If you or a loved one could use a friendly face to help with home care that's tailored to fit you and your family's circumstances, needs and lifestyle, contact the CareCompany for expert care, holistic support and genuine companionship. Call us or email gethelp@carecompany.co.za and our local team will reach out to discuss your needs.
