How to help elderly relatives beat loneliness

Getting old can be lonely. When a partner dies and your elderly relative is left all alone, it can be a pretty scary time. Fortunately, you can help them beat this loneliness. This guide will teach you how to help elderly relatives beat loneliness.

Maintain frequent contact

There’s one sure-fire way to combat loneliness and that’s regular contact. You don’t have to call three times a day but maintaining frequent contact is important. This is especially effective if you can schedule a time every day when you call. It will help you to stick to the routine and will give them something to look forward to every day. Also, if you get stuck about what to talk about, don’t be afraid to prepare a list of questions. Sometimes it’s not important what the conversation is about, just that there is a conversation.

Visit in person

If possible, you should visit in person as regularly as possible. If you live on the other side of the country, this isn’t going to be easy. But, if you’re within driving distance, you should try to maintain regular in-person visits. A phone call is great, but nothing beats sitting down across from someone and having a chat.

Check out community resources

There are a ton of great community resources that you can lean on for help. Whether it’s a local coffee morning for seniors, a chess club, or a senior visiting scheme, you should see what your community has to offer. After years of relying on one person, it might be difficult to encourage this but it’s well worth it.

Take your seniors to events

One of the challenging things about getting older is that it becomes more difficult to travel. Instead of just visiting your elderly relative, why not take them to some local events? It can be anything from a show at the local theater to a yard sale. Anything that gets them out of the house and gives them something to talk about.

Encourage a new hobby

It’s never too late to start a new hobby. Sure, they’re not going to take up hang gliding but that shouldn’t stop them from trying new things. Gardening, birdwatching, and book clubs are all amazing hobbies that don’t require much effort. A new hobby can bring with it a new lease on life.

Consider assisted living

One of the top ways to combat loneliness in old age is to move into an assisted living facility like Highland Park Auberge.

Not only will they have better access to care and medical treatment, but they will also make new friends and regularly try new activities. Many elderly people are resistant to this kind of change but it can be life-changing, especially if they are living alone.

Get some help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when caring for an elderly relative. If you’re trying to help them combat loneliness, they might need to see other people. Ask your family and friends to help out where possible. Also, knock on their neighbor’s doors and see if they are willing to visit.