Around 28% of older adults live alone. Around half of the American women over the age of 74 live alone. It's not surprising that your mom is on her own as she nears her 80th birthday. What's important now is to make sure she's not lonely.
Studies have linked loneliness and isolation to several chronic health issues. They include cognitive impairment, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. People who are lonely have a higher risk of anxiety. Take precautions to make sure your mom never feels isolated or lonely as she ages at home.
Visit as Often as You Can
Stop by and check on your mom as often as you can. This is easier when you live nearby. Pop in after work and have dinner with her. Or, visit once a week on a day off and cook meals, take her shopping, or go to a movie together. The more your mom sees you, the bigger the benefits are.
If you don't live nearby, arrange to have another family member or family friend visit her. When they have, they can fill you in on anything she needs. This is a good way to know if she's doing okay, as they'll see things that are easily overlooked in a video chat or phone call.
Get to Know What Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Entail
IADLs are tasks your mom should be able to do on her own, and they usually relate to her comfort and ability to avoid being isolated or lonely. With IADLs, your mom is able to make a phone call or send an email. She can talk on the phone and do things like schedule appointments or order prescription refills.
Your mom should be able to pay her bills on time and manage her finances. IADLs also cover things like remembering when she has appointments, organizing her home, and keeping her house clean.
Driving herself to and from area businesses or arranging transportation if she no longer drives is also important. If she cannot handle these tasks on her own anymore, it's a good time to address the benefits of companion care services.
Instead of struggling with these routine chores, your mom has a helping hand. She doesn't have to move to a new location. She ages at home with the help of a trained caregiver.
Hire Caregivers to Provide Companion Care Services
Companion care at home is one of the most important care services for your mom. Arrange to have home care aides stop by, see how she's doing, and help with household chores she cannot manage on her own. She may need help with housework or someone to accompany her to appointments.
With companion care at home services, your mom never has to feel lonely or isolated. A specialist can walk you through the different options and pricing. Call now.
Sources:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Aging%20and%20Disability%20in%20America/2017OlderAmericansProfile.pdf
