Social engagement is critically important for a senior’s mental health if they are aging in place. If your senior parent wants to continue living at home, you should know that their mental and physical health can be impacted if they’re not getting enough social engagement. With work, child care, and other responsibilities it’s very common for family members to not be able to consistently spend time with a senior parent even when they want to. Companion care at home can help.

If you can’t visit your senior parent often, or if you live too far away to visit more than once or twice a year, companion care at home can make sure that your senior parent is getting the social engagement they need to stay healthy.

Some of the best socially engaging activities for seniors living at home are:

Video Calls with Family and Friends

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with loved ones. Video calls allow seniors to see and talk to family and friends, helping them feel more connected.

Platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, or Microsoft Teams are simple to use, and companions can help set your senior parent use them if needed. Regular video chats can include catching up, celebrating birthdays, or even playing virtual games together. Seeing familiar faces can bring joy and help reduce feelings of loneliness.

Joining Online Clubs or Groups

Just because your senior parent can’t leave the house easily doesn’t mean they can’t be part of a group. Many organizations offer online clubs where seniors can join discussions, book clubs, or hobby groups. Check the local library to see if they have a virtual book club for seniors, many do.

Whether they enjoy reading, knitting, or playing chess, there is likely an online community they can join. Websites like Facebook, Meetup, and even local senior centers often host virtual gatherings where people can share their interests and make new friends.

Writing Letters

Sending and receiving letters is a meaningful way to stay socially engaged. Seniors can write to family members, friends, or even join a pen-pal program. Handwritten letters add a personal touch and can create lasting connections.
If they prefer using email, they can stay in touch with loved ones through regular messages. Writing also helps keep the mind sharp and gives seniors something enjoyable to look forward to when they receive a reply.

Hosting or Joining Virtual Game Nights

Playing games with others is a great way for seniors to stay socially engaged. There are many online options, such as virtual bingo, card games, and trivia nights.

Websites and apps like Pogo, Zoom, and Houseparty allow people to play games while chatting with friends and family. If they prefer traditional board games, companion care givers can play board games or care games with your senior parent, or do puzzles with them. Games bring fun, laughter, and interaction into their routine.

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Clarksville, MD, please contact the caring staff at Care At Home today. 301-970-9706

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Ann Smith RN

Owner at Care at Home

Ann Smith, RN, Realtor® Your local Home care and Home transition expert Ann is a Registered Nurse and a Realtor with a passion and dedication to serving her community. She has over twenty years of nursing experience in pediatric, geriatric, home health care, and care management. She founded Care at Home, a home care company, to provide seniors with services that promote independence and safe aging in place. Ann is dedicated to helping seniors achieve stress-free retirement living by providing comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's mother instilled in her the value of hard work, dedication, and service to others at a young age, which is now a driving force in her home care agency. Her caring and compassionate work with seniors began when she was just 17 years old. She was offered a job as a caregiver. Just as quickly, she instinctively knew that this would be her life's work. She soon became a nurse and has since helped many older adults transition seamlessly into a new phase of life. While helping seniors and individuals with their home care needs, it became apparent that part of the transition process often involved selling their current home for more suitable living arrangements. That's when Ann decided to add real estate services to alleviate stress and enhance her client's experience. It's also how she became known as the Home Transition Agent. Today, Ann helps her mature clients achieve stress-free retirement living by providing in-home care and comprehensive services from health to home. Ann's love for children and dedication to helping families caring for children with chronic health conditions inspired Pediatric Care at Home, a division of Care at Home that provides pediatric nursing care. Ann and her team are dedicated to providing compassionate care to all, from infants to older adults. When Ann isn't busy helping her patients and clients, she volunteers her time at women's shelters and fostering dogs. She and her veteran husband enjoy a simple life in the countryside, where farm animals and country life surround them. Ann also enjoys reading, photography, gardening, and nature walk with their dogs.

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