Some elderly people are lonely, isolated and far away from their loved ones. They might never tell you sometimes but when you suddenly notice changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities or sudden sadness, you’ll certainly know that something is wrong.

But it gets worse if they are living alone. Also, if their loved ones are too busy or no one is around to notice these things, your loved ones could be feeling lonely, isolated and this might be affecting their wellbeing without your knowledge.

As a care provider, it is very crucial to understand the importance of companionship for your loved ones and the steps you can take to provide that companionship for them. This is what I’ll be sharing with you in this guide.

Prevents Loneliness

One of the most noticeable reasons why companionship is important for seniors is that it reduces loneliness. We’re all social beings with the need to talk, communicate and stay rooted with our loved ones both socially and otherwise.

But as we grow into adults, even when we have children, at some point they leave and we get back to facing our lives alone.

Sometimes too, our elderly ones do lose their partners, experience limiting health conditions or get into other life conditions that makes it harder for them to live the way they have always lived all their lives.

When people go through such changes in life, they need as much support as they can get to make life easier for them but when such is not obtained, it can lead to loneliness and isolation which might have a serious impact on their well being in the long run.

Boosts Cognitive Health

Studies have shown that some cognitive functions indeed can decrease as one grows older in age. For elders who are lonely and isolated, this can get worse as they go around without actual daily interaction with others.

Companionship for older people can boost cognitive health by providing mental stimulation, reducing loneliness and providing opportunities for elders to engage through conversations, shared physical activities, games etc.

Sometimes, a simple conversation is all an elder need to feel a sense of belonging.

Research has shown that companionship is important for seniors especially when it comes to mental stimulation. It can also slow down the rate of communication decline while generally improving their overall wellbeing.

Provides a Sense of Purpose

Companionship is important for seniors because it can give elderly adults, a sense of purpose, improves their self-esteem while also providing emotional support as they navigate life and aging.

This is because as people age, they get to experience some changes including retirement, loss of loved ones, health challenges etc. Finding meaning again and getting to navigate life in this new phase can be rather difficult without the right support.

For seniors struggling with the changes that comes with aging, feeling heard and valued builds confidence and reinforces their self-worth.

Also, the right companionship can provide empathy, a listening ear and a support that gives them a sense of belonging.

Promotes Physical Health & Wellbeing

An elderly person who is living alone may not find enough motivation to take their meds, exercise or participate in social activities when necessary because they do not find interest in that at the time or they simply forgot.

But a professional companion or personal support worker knows when to encourage seniors to take on physical activities that will improve their well being like taking walks, exercising or participating in outdoor activities.

Even when it might be a simple nudge, a reminder or just an encouragement, this can go a long way in getting the elder to actually take steps that will better their health.

Provides Support with Daily Living

An in home care provider can provide support for elders with daily living activities like house cleaning, transportation support, grocery and shopping, meal prep etc.

This is one of the reasons why companionship is important for elders because with this kind of system in place, their lives become easier, especially considering that as they age, they do not have the capacity to carry out these daily tasks as they once used to.

Additionally, other important errands like social outing, shopping and mobility support are part of what companionship provides for elders, making it easy for them to live life daily with ease, even despite their age.

Final Words

Generally speaking, Companionship for seniors might look like a buzzword but most elderly people do not only need companions some of our older adults are actually lonely and isolated. And it is in our place to do our part to make aging easier for them.

But you do not have to choose any support system for your loved one. Before choosing a care option for them, you want to settle for a provider that is trustworthy, with the right track record and capacity to meet the needs of your loved one.

A home care provider like True Affinity Care has all of this and is ready to provide your loved one the needed support provide the needed support to live a more dignified and happier life while aging gracefully. Reach out to us for a free assessment here.