If you were a parent, you might have memories of setting up playdates for your kiddos. You knew it could be hard for them to make friends (especially before they began school and had regular connections with kids their own ages), so you’d talk to other parents of toddlers and ask if you could arrange play dates at the park or at each other’s homes. This helped your little ones form friendships with others the same age who enjoyed the same things they did.

Now, as you see your elderly loved one spend many days and nights all alone (especially if they are a recent widow or widower), you might wonder how to help your loved one find some new friends, make some new connections, and build some new bonds. Companion care at home services and these tips can help.

 

Why Friendships are Important for Seniors

Family is often a very important part of a senior’s life, but friendships should also be a part of their lives to help them find joy and purpose at this stage of life.

The benefits of having a good friend far extend beyond having someone to hang out with at the local coffee shop (although that is a great benefit). Friendships and healthy connections with others provide numerous health benefits.

Some benefits that seniors experience when they have just a few good friends are:

• Longer life
• Better heart health
• Decreased risk of cognitive decline related to dementia
• Less stress and better techniques for managing it when it does occur
• Reduced risk of depression due to loneliness and isolation
• Overall better health

 

Finding Friends for Your Elderly Loved One

So, where do you begin, especially if your elderly loved one is a little nervous or hesitant about meeting new people and trying to make new friends? Luckily, there are lots of great ways to meet people, make new connections, and possibly form some wonderful friendships. And with companion care at home, your senior loved ones can get support in their home as well as transportation support to any of these activities.

• Your Local Senior Center. If you have a senior center, this is a great place to start. Senior centers often offer physical activities geared towards seniors, classes that reflect their interests, and even just provide a safe meeting space for many seniors to gather.
• A Non-Profit Agency Volunteer Team. Volunteering at something they love is a great way for seniors to make friends with others who share a similar passion.
• Community Groups. This can be a garden club, a reading group, or a bird-watching club. Your loved one will get to do something they enjoy and have an easy way to connect with others.
• Places of Worship. If your loved one has a strong faith, their place of worship is often a great place to meet others and make friends. From serving to attending events, they’ll connect with others who share similar beliefs.

 

Companion Care at Home Providers Offer Friendship and So Much More

While finding friends at any of the above activities is great, your loved one might be homebound, making it more difficult to find friends or connect with others. Companion care at home providers can come right to your home and spend time connecting and enjoying time with your elderly loved one.

Companion care at home providers not only provide companionship, but can also help your loved one with many of their personal care needs as well, making them an invaluable resource and connection for your elderly loved one.

 

 

 

If you or an aging loved one is considering Companion Care at Home in Sherman Oaks, CA, please contact the caring staff at Nu Care Inc. today. 800-505-6890