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Social Isolation in Seniors-1213 Social Isolation in Seniors-1213

Social Isolation in Seniors

Social Isolation in Seniors

Keeping Social Isolation from Causing Depression in Seniors

Since the COVID-19 era, social distancing has emerged as an effective measure to restrain the spread of infections. Many people are now confining themselves to indoor spaces and communicating with their loved ones only through the use of electronic tools. This has had a detrimental effect on mental health, especially for adults over the age of 65. We must work to prevent social distancing from becoming social isolation among this vulnerable group.

Social isolation in seniors has been linked to increased depression as well as to increased proinflammatory and decreased anti-viral immune responses. Health risks associated with loneliness and social isolation are comparable to the dangers of smoking and obesity, increasing mortality risk by up to 30%. These effects may further increase the susceptibility of this population to COVID-19. We must consider the mental health burden of social distancing for the elderly and find ways to keep them engaged and motivated.

Staying Connected

To help older adults feel involved, purposeful and less lonely during the pandemic:

  • Show them how to video chat with others using smartphones, laptops or tablets.
  • Use apps on these devices to provide captions for adults with hearing challenges.
  • Encourage friends and family outside of your household to telephone, write notes or send cards to lift your loved one’s spirits.
  • Encourage them to connect with others. Talking with people they trust about their concerns and how they are feeling can be helpful.
  • Let older adults know it is common for people to feel distressed during a crisis. Remind them that asking for and accepting help is a sign of strength.

Keep Elders Involved & Engaged

  • Give older adults a project they can work on. Think about going through and organizing old photos and memorabilia together, and enjoy the stories and happy memories they inspire. Sharing favorite songs or movies with other people in the household can help boost mood.
  • Have deeper, more meaningful conversations at this time of unprecedented crisis and collective action. To overcome the challenge of social isolation, we have to break through the usual patterns of communication. Spark a conversation that builds a deeper relationship between you and someone on the other end of the phone or the other side of a screen. These questions are designed to address this moment honestly, without heightening anxiety.
  • Share a story about a challenge in your life or a challenging time when you felt you really overcame something.
    • What strength, value, or part of you helped you overcome it?
    • Where or from whom did you acquire that strength, value, or part of yourself?
    • From whom, if anyone, did you find support?
    • How did that moment or experience change who you are?

Relaxation

  • Relax your body often by doing things that work for you—take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, wash your face and hands, or engage in pleasurable hobbies.
  • Read, listen to music, take a bath, or talk to family.

Keep Perspective

Set limits on how much time your loved one spends reading or watching news about the outbreak. They will want to stay up to date on news of the outbreak, particularly if they have loved ones in places where many people have gotten sick. But make sure to take time away from the news to focus on things that are going well and can be controlled.

Get the Facts

Find people and resources they can depend on for accurate health information. Learn from them about the outbreak and how to protect against illness. Turn to family doctor, a state or local health department, U.S. government agencies, or an international organization.

Keep Healthy

  • Eat healthy foods, and drink water.
  • Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
  • Do not use tobacco or illegal drugs.
  • Get enough sleep and rest.
  • Get physical exercise.
  • Make sure to take necessary medications properly.

 

 

 

 

George Starkesen-1
George Starkesen

“The best part of The Arbors are the people, the programs and the independence. I take daily walks around the neighborhood”

Doris Crotty-2
Doris Crotty

“I like the programs offered, they keep me busy and engaged. I love living here”

Dolores McCrone-3
Dolores McCrone

“I’ve made The Arbors my home and I am very content”

Josephine Foschino-4
Josephine Foschino

“I love making new friends and enjoying life”

Gladys Bischoff-5
Gladys Bischoff

“I love my beautiful room and all my friends”

Diane-6
Diane

“The life of a caregiver is truly very difficult, and with no training, I’m just a daughter, I made it work, but it got to be too much. It was a very difficult decision to have my mom move here. The folks here made my transition very easy, very helpful, very friendly, the staff is great. It was just a real comfort to me when I left. I felt that my mom was in really good hands.  I have such peace of mind knowing that my mom is being well taken care of at The Arbors.”

Tom-7
Tom

“You can go home and sleep at night knowing your loved one is being taken care of. I am grateful to call The Arbors home for my father-in-law.”

Joan-8
Joan

“Living at The Arbors has changed my life completely. I am in a new world.  When I started to fall last year, and had to be rushed to the hospital, I was scared. I didn’t want to leave my home. But I’ve made a lot of friends here. It’s a big family. Arbors makes it very comfortable for me. The staff are great, they would take you to the moon if they could. I say my prayers every night and thank God for finding this place for me.”

Elaine-9
Elaine

“I love my apartment at The Arbors. It’s just enough space for me to relax. I spend my days socializing with my new friends in the shared spaces, so my home actually got bigger, not smaller.”

Helen-10
Helen

“Make new friends, but keep the old. Some are silver and some are gold…Over eight years, I’ve made a lot of friends, new ones, old ones, and I’ve enjoyed all of them immensely. I guess coming into a place like this, you wonder who’s going to be a friend, but then you find so many friends, whether they’re residents or staff. My favorite part about The Arbors is the people that I’ve met, they take good care of me.”

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The Arbors Assisted Living Community-1415

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