We know that socialization is vitally important for our overall emotional (and even physical) wellbeing – but we also know that senior isolation and loneliness is an epidemic in America. With the hectic pace of life, it’s difficult for families and friends to provide the full measure of social interaction needed to keep loneliness at bay for older adults, who are often homebound or unable to get out as much as they’d like. 

But the mother of invention truly is necessity, and the need for creative socialization solutions has sparked some interesting innovations:

The Chat Bench

Thanks to the police department in the southwest England town of Burnham-On-Sea, several benches now boast signage that boldly proclaims, “The Happy to Chat Bench: Sit Here if You Don’t Mind Someone Stopping to Say Hello.” And, stop they do! It’s a lovely … Read More »

Everyone needs a little time to get away from it all, to be alone with our thoughts or to settle in with a good book. But when that alone time is excessive, we become at risk for social isolation – an all too common occurrence as we age. And its effects are more detrimental than you may realize, with the potential to impact both physical and mental health in a variety of ways.

Studies have shown that socializing:

Reduces risk of disability
Reduces depression and pain
Protects the brain from mental decline
Increases the quality and length of life

In-home caregivers, such as those at Hired Hands Homecare, can help the older adults in your life stay social and protect their health by:

Encouraging attendance and serving as a personal escort to social outings such as club meetings, community events such as fairs, holiday celebrations and parades, … Read More »

Older adults in the LGBTQ+ community face a number of hurdles that we all need to understand.

When it comes to growing older, the experiences of seniors are as diverse as the colors of the rainbow. Within this spectrum, older adults in the LGBTQ+ community often face unique challenges that warrant our attention and understanding. As a leading home care provider in Novato and the surrounding areas, we know that fostering inclusivity is crucial for providing support to all members of our community. It begins by understanding some of the hurdles specific to the LGBTQ+ population that need to be overcome.

Isolation and Social Stigma:

One of the key challenges confronting LGBTQ+ seniors is the potential for isolation and the enduring social stigma that has persisted throughout their lives. Many individuals from this community grew up in an … Read More »

Knowing how to find friends as a senior is the first step to enhancing socialization and quality of life.

Observing kids effortlessly form friendships at the playground is a heartwarming sight, but as adults, building connections can be a bit more complex. Friendships are vital, especially for seniors emerging from COVID-related isolation. How can you assist the older adults in your life in enhancing their socialization and making new friends?

While a pick-up game of tag might not be on the agenda, consider these alternative tips for how to find friends as a senior:

Join a Club: Help an older loved one brainstorm their interests, whether it’s reading, knitting, gardening, fishing, or sports. Look online for local groups or explore resources at the senior center. If no suitable groups exist, consider creating one!
Take a Class: Community colleges often offer … Read More »

Improving health and wellbeing for seniors is easier with these tips.

Though New Year’s Day is still months away, who says resolutions should only be made at the start of the year? There is no time like the present to start a new habit or goal, especially when it comes to improving health and wellbeing for seniors.

We have six strategies you can implement today. Pick one to begin, or jump right into all of them to attain the greatest benefit:

Make an appointment for a physical. Rather than waiting for an injury or illness to call the doctor, a yearly check-up is a great way for seniors to stay on top of their health and potentially prevent issues before they occur.
Get physical. With the physician’s approval and recommendations, kick off a new exercise routine – together! Working out … Read More »

Virtual reality in dementia care can be highly effective in improving engagement, communication, and joy.

Imagine for a moment how it could feel to struggle with the cognitive challenges of dementia. The people who are closest to you are now unfamiliar. The words and phrases that would roll off your tongue without a second thought are now just beyond your grasp. In fact, the world as you once knew it has turned completely topsy-turvy, leaving you yearning for a recognizable foothold.

However, one of the kindnesses imparted by Alzheimer’s is the long-term memories that oftentimes remain intact long after short-term memories have disappeared. It’s why connecting older adults with Alzheimer’s to the past is often a remarkably effective way to engage them – through music, movies, photos, and reminiscing. Now we can add a high-tech tool to the … Read More »

Discover how to improve resilience in older adults in four simple steps.

Did you ever encounter someone so inspiring that it completely changed your viewpoint on life? It might lead you to pause and wonder what it is about that person that supplies them with the drive and strength to stand out from the crowd. This type of resilience in older adults is especially encouraging, showing us that whatever comes our way, at whatever age, life is beautiful, rich, and fulfilling.

At the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center at Columbia University, research workers decided to examine this further with their “Exceeding Expectations” project. They followed 20 elderly New Yorkers from diversified backgrounds and cultures for a two-year time period. Here is what they learned about the resiliency of these extraordinary individuals.

They never let their obstacles define them. … Read More »

If you haven’t heard yet about the new scam targeting lonely seniors, be sure to read on to learn how to protect those you love.

Sadly, loneliness in older adults is quite common, for a variety of reasons. Mobility issues, chronic health conditions, and the loss of family and friends are all contributing factors. Yet humans are social creatures, and this lack of socialization has many seniors turning to online sources for connection – such as dating websites. While this may seem harmless or even beneficial, there can be hidden dangers for seniors specifically, known as sweetheart scammers. Here’s what to watch for to help keep those you love safe from the scam targeting lonely seniors:

It’s important to be aware of several key triggers that can worsen the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

While there are a number of commonalities, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s can impact each individual differently. Our highly trained dementia caregivers know, for instance, that while one person may appreciate being outdoors, another may be overwhelmed by so much sensory input and prefer a quieter indoor environment. One may appreciate a morning bath routine, while a dose of resourcefulness is necessary to help a different individual maintain good hygiene. 

We also realize there are certain triggers that may often worsen the challenging aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Family care providers should be particularly careful to avoid the following:

Dehydration. Someone diagnosed with dementia might not be able to identify when they are thirsty, or may refuse when offered fluids. It’s vital to ensure appropriate … Read More »