It’s not unusual to have multiple health complaints in old age, but did you know that loneliness is almost as fatal as poor health when it comes to your elderly loved one? Experts now believe that social isolation increases the risks of everything from cardiovascular health to early death. Yet, almost 1 in 3 elderly patients report feeling lonely, especially after the loss of their spouse.
Despite your best efforts to visit regularly, there’s every chance that your loved one falls into this category. Worse, poor care could exacerbate the problem. This is due to a variety of factors, which we’ll discuss here, along with some suggestions for how small care improvements could finally help your loved one shake that lonely feeling.
# 1 - Poor Quality of Life
Poor care that could include inconsistent practitioners or constantly changing prescriptions can significantly impact your elderly loved one’s quality of life and ability to stay healthy, resulting in excessive pain or extended periods in bed. Both problems can hinder their ability to get out and talk to other people, or even welcome you into their home, meaning that social isolation is inevitable.
Luckily, family members are in a position to help with this. In some instances, simply contacting your elderly loved one’s doctor and explaining the problem can result in improvements. Equally, becoming an advocate and pushing to ensure that your loved one is seen and treated correctly can go a long way towards enabling them to move and socialize more comfortably.
# 2 - Rushed Appointments
Geriatric health providers can provide essential companionship for elderly patients, especially when it comes to things like in-home care. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for overworked healthcare providers to rush appointments. This means that the daily interactions your loved one would get from their care team can be cut short. What’s more, there may be a lack of carer consistency that makes true connections difficult to come by.
This is something that you can overcome by seeking more considered geriatric care options like concierge medicine. As well as ensuring familiar, trustworthy faces for every care visit, this service will ensure that your loved one is given the time, respect, and companionship that they need to feel supported and seen in their healthcare and personal journey.
# 3 - Inability to Travel
Poor or lacking care packages can also prevent your loved one from being able to travel, especially if they have difficulty with walking and movement. A more considered approach to care can help here, as it ensures healthcare providers recognize and take steps to address things like a lack of mobility. This will make it easier for your elderly loved one to get out independently.
If ease of movement continues to be a problem, it’s worth seeking alternative care options such as appointment transportation, or transportation for everyday tasks like shopping and community events. This could be key to finally getting your loved one out and enjoying the world and people around them.
Loneliness is a hidden killer, and poor care can only worsen the problem unless you take steps to address these key care oversights.
*This is a collaborative post thanks for reading
