Everyone needs friends. It’s time to get social – especially our senior loved ones!

It’s only natural that as we age, the social circle you once counted on might dwindle and opportunities to be around others might not happen as often. Elder friends and relatives are more likely to get sick or have other health issues that make it problematic to visit or reliably meet somewhere around Worcester to get together. Because of this, the senior years can be some of the loneliest for our aging loved ones and cause them to feel isolated.

Luckily there are plenty of opportunities for senior family members to get out there, be social and even make some new friends. Staying engaged with those around them is incredibly important for seniors no matter their age. Social interactions promote better mental health, better physical health, create new routines and can make life more enjoyable.

Companion care services offered by Griswold Home Care can make a big difference in the lives of aging family members. A home caregiver can visit at scheduled times to talk with a senior loved one and keep them engaged in many activities that can help them from feeling isolated or lonely. Playing cards, going for a walk or watching a movie are examples of activities a loved one can participate in with a home caregiver. Taking time to visit a community space, like the Worcester Senior Center, is another way for seniors to enjoy time in a social environment.

It’s also a good idea to take advantage of seasonal activities like apple picking when the weather permits. Tougas Family Farm in Northborough is a great place for pick-your-own fruits and homemade baked treats.

If your family member isn’t as mobile as they once were, a home caregiver can keep them engaged with home-based activities. They might enjoy doing a puzzle together, baking a favorite treat or looking at old photos to name a few.

As mentioned above, having companionship and being social is so important in terms of fighting isolation for seniors. Whether your loved one starts a personalized home care plan that includes companion care with Griswold Home Care, or has their own network already in place, it can be incredibly important in preventing depression, which is very common among the elderly.

Once your loved one has a social network in place, their outlook is bound to improve and they will most definitely feel happier. A happier, healthier outlook is attractive to others and play a big part in keeping time spent with elder loved ones as enjoyable as possible. If you need help setting up companion care for your aging loved one, reach out to the Griswold Home Care Worcester office at (508) 917-6649. We’d be happy to discuss how we can help put your loved one on the path to being social again.