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What Are the Symptoms of Loneliness?

Understanding what loneliness might look like for seniors allows family caregivers to find solutions before the problem becomes too serious.
Companion Care at Home in Carencro LA

Loneliness is often a condition that other people don’t see or recognize when seniors suffer from it. It’s a vulnerable situation, and seniors who are aging in place might not mention to friends and family that they’re experiencing more loneliness. Knowing what to watch for can help family caregivers find solutions to help, like bringing in companion care at home for their aging family members.

Sleep Problems

Lots of health issues can cause insomnia or other types of sleep problems. Seniors may forget that emotional and mental health issues, like loneliness, can also contribute to sleep difficulties. If seniors aren’t getting enough sleep or are constantly tired, they might have poor sleep hygiene. Home care providers can help them to adjust their schedules. But if loneliness is part of the problem, solving the loneliness can help to correct the sleep trouble, too.

Decreased Energy

Spending too much time alone can also cause seniors to have worse energy levels than they usually do. That happens because loneliness and depression have very real physical effects, including having less energy. Poor sleep can contribute to decreased energy, but other factors might also be that seniors aren’t eating well or their chronic health issues aren’t being managed well.

Withdrawal from Social Engagements

Ironically enough, feeling lonely can keep seniors from wanting to keep up with some of the social engagements that they normally find enjoyable. If family caregivers notice that seniors are making excuses more often or they’re staying home a lot more than they usually do, loneliness could be the culprit. There could be other contributing factors, too, like having more trouble with mobility. Companion care at home can be a huge help in these situations, offering seniors companionship and also helping with transportation and mobility.

Increased Health Issues

When seniors don’t feel well emotionally, they may experience worsening health issues. The reverse can be true, as well. Seniors may withdraw from socializing and start to experience loneliness because they’re feeling lousy or embarrassed about health issues. Seniors with chronic health issues might benefit from spending time with companion care at home, especially when they find it difficult to get out and about like they used to.

Expressing Feelings of Reduced Safety

Sometimes seniors respond to loneliness by sharing with family members that they don’t feel safe. They might say they don’t feel safe at home alone, or they might express that being out in public or around other people makes them feel unsafe. Companion caregivers can offer seniors support with safety concerns while also helping to alleviate their loneliness.

Loneliness doesn’t look the same for every senior or every time it crops up again. Helping seniors to feel comfortable asking for what they need can benefit them as they age in place and continue to experience changes that affect their daily lives. Companion care at home doesn’t offer the same type of support as elder care services do, but these caregivers can alleviate loneliness and watch for other signs of trouble seniors might need help managing.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home in Carencro, LA, please contact the caring staff at BrightCare Homecare today. Call (337) 279-5466
BrightCare Homecare is a top provider of home care services in Lafayette, Youngsville, Broussard, New Iberia, Breaux Bridge, Carencro, Opelousas, Sunset, Crowley, Abbeville, Scott, Cecilia, Port Barre, Lota, and the surrounding areas.
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