As a loved one ages, whether they are a relative or a friend, their needs will change. Issues with mobility or mental decline may lead to them no longer meeting up with friends, which can lead to loneliness.
Indeed, loneliness is one of the main challenges that older people face, and as a family or friend, there are some ways that you can help your loved one stay connected with their friends as well as make some new ones.
This article will explore the best ways to increase socialisation in your loved one’s life and will also explore the pros of residential care or supported living options.
Residential Settings
One of the main benefits of a loved one relocating to a residential care setting, whether it is a residential home or supported living, is that they will be surrounded by people. This will include trained nurses, support workers, and, of course, other residents. You may feel bad or upset about your loved one moving into such a setting, but as anyone who lives in Signature at Reigate Grange will tell you, these places are a hotbed of social activity. In other words, your loved one will always have someone with them to talk to as well as get the medical care that they need.
Specialist Groups
Going back to the idea of mobility or neurological issues preventing people from meeting up with friends, it can be worth looking into the local community for social groups. This could be a meet-up group for people who have dementia, arthritis, or other conditions that become more prevalent over a certain age, or it could be a hobby group to help them make friends. This will help to give your loved one like-minded people to talk to and will help them with socialisation away from home and in the local community. Residential care homes often have these types of groups or activities to join in with as its seen as so beneficial.
Support
For many people in a set age group, the idea of talking to a counsellor or therapist may be met with a stigma. However, talking to a professional has a lot of positive points for those who may be lonely and lack self-esteem. This can help them build up their confidence and also help them work through any issues that may be holding them back from making new friends.
Technology
Technology allows people of all ages to stay in touch with each other no matter where they live. Social media apps can help, but if your elderly loved one enjoys chatting on the phone, then why not set them up with a video phone app? This will enable them to see who they are talking to, all while sitting in comfort. This can help keep them involved in their loved one’s lives between face-to-face visits.
Family
It can be very hard for those who live by themselves to reach out to family. They may feel that they are imposing or that their loved ones are too busy. However, in order to help with issues of loneliness, if you can, try to visit every week or call as often as you can. This will help your relative stay up to date with family matters and will also help them feel more involved. In residential care homes, staff are trained to watch out for signs of loneliness and help where they are able, but family visits are still necessary for mental well-being.
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