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As loved ones get older, it can be difficult to see them struggle with day-to-day activities like cooking, cleaning, and taking medications. As such, you may opt to invest in senior care services for them. While this is beneficial when it comes to completing everyday tasks, doing so also provides another important advantage: companionship. Socialization plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of seniors, which is why care services are so highly recommended.

senior careWhy Socialization is Important

Socialization is beneficial for everyone—but this is especially true for seniors who live alone. Studies show seniors who live alone are 59% more likely to face emotional and mental decline, in addition to having a 43% increased risk for death than those living in communities or with another person. Companionship provides your loved one with the interaction they need to keep their mind and spirit sharp. 

Socialization also plays an important role in physical health. One study shows that one-third of hospitalizations for people over the age of 65 are due to mismanagement of medication. Because many seniors have multiple prescriptions, it can be easy for them to forget to take them or mix doses up, which can cause potentially harmful side effects. Providing your loved one with companionship will allow you to rest easy knowing their health won’t be compromised due to simple mistakes.

What You Can Do to Help

Offering companionship to a loved one isn’t difficult to do—it just requires checking in and visiting with them on a regular basis. As your spending time with them, try to keep their mind and memory engaged. For example, ask about their day, or have them retell a story that makes them smile. This allows them to communicate, utilize recall skills, and enjoy happy memories.

Another easy way to provide companionship to your elderly loved one is by getting them a four-legged friend. Having an animal gives them constant interaction with another living being. It also allows them to stay active with small tasks and chores, like going for a walk or feeding the pet. Just talk to your loved one first about what kind of animal they want and if they feel up to handling the care and responsibilities involved in pet ownership. 

 

If you need professional help with senior care, turn to the compassionate team at Visiting Angels in Toms River, NJ. They are a network of providers who offer in-home services. They will assist with everything from preparing meals to dementia care. Give them a call today at (732) 240-1050 to discuss your needs, and visit their website to learn more about what they do.

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