The COVID-19 health crisis has resulted in far-reaching issues which no one could have foreseen just 12 months ago. While fighting isolation and loneliness has been a perennial concern for those in senior living situations, the problem has spiraled to a critical level. In order to help seniors in coping with these feelings, the protections put in place necessarily must be balanced with meaningful efforts to maintain connection with friends and family.
Assisted living and memory care professionals across Florida have been striving to keep their facilities safe for residents; while simultaneously encouraging communication and interaction in appropriate ways. If you have a loved one in an adult residence, it is essential to understand the sometimes devastating effects of isolation, so you can proactively stay in touch.
Why Loneliness is Harmful
Being isolated or feeling alone can negatively affect anyone, no matter their stage of life or living situation. But for elderly seniors who reside away from the family they love, visits are often more like a lifeline. Without being allowed in-person or physical contact, their mental health may be at risk. Read more about creative ways to stay in touch.
Keep in mind that due to fears of getting sick, even seniors living at home are prone to loneliness. With social events, birthday parties, family visits and celebratory gatherings being cancelled, loneliness can affect anyone’s mindset.
When seniors are lonely, they are more likely to neglect meals, feel depression, and even suffer from increased physical ailments. Here are some of the adverse affects associated with isolation.
- Increased risk of premature death from all causes.
- 50% percent increased risk of dementia
- 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke
- Higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.
- Chronic conditions such as chronic lung disease, impaired mobility, arthritis, high blood pressure and depression
- Cognitive decline
- Increased incidence of elder abuse (due to the senior not having someone to confide in, and no one visiting frequently enough to notice evident signs of physical or mental abuse.)
- Pessimism and loss of perspective, assuming their quality of life is likely to deteriorate
- Long term care and full service care is needed earlier than normal
- Unhealthy habits, such as lack of exercise, poor diet, or ineffective medications management.
Even with the obvious challenges which continue even as we approach a year of CoVID, assisted living facilities provide a positive place for seniors in danger of becoming lonely or feeling isolated. The resident is has visitors to their room several times a day, such as paramedical professionals, meal providers, housekeepers and physical health professionals. Through social events and gatherings with other residents, loneliness and isolation can be largely avoided. Although many facilities have restricted family and friend visits, you should contact the administration to determine how and when you can visit your loved one safely.
A Banyan Residence provides quality assisted living and memory care services to residents of the Villages and surrounding areas. We are committed to the overall health and wellness of your loved one, especially through these extraordinary times. Call us today for more information.
