How Home Care Agencies Combat Winter Isolation
As we step into a new season, it’s not uncommon for many seniors to face increased feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially after the holidays. Shorter days and chillier weather can make it difficult for older adults to get out or even want to leave their homes. However, seniors need to maintain social connections no matter the season. Socializing helps seniors keep their minds sharp, reduces the risk of dementia, and, most importantly, helps prevent feelings of depression and anxiety. Where can seniors find support to protect themselves from these negative emotions? Thankfully, home care agencies, such as Visiting Angels Richmond, are stepping in to help seniors combat these challenges and foster a greater sense of connection. Below are a few ways we’re making a difference.
Personalized Care Plans
At Visiting Angels Richmond, we’re proud to offer personalized care plans tailored to the individual needs of our clients. Our care plans and professional caregivers go beyond physical support. In addition to assisting with personal hygiene tasks and light housekeeping, our caregivers offer companionship and actively seek to engage their clients in meaningful conversations. Beyond providing personalized care plans, we also schedule care when our clients prefer, working with their current routines so that our clients remain in control of their daily lives. We strongly believe that our personal touch helps caregivers create lasting relationships with their clients.
Recreational Pursuits
In addition to at-home care visits, Visiting Angels Richmond offers assistance with recreational pursuits. When seniors choose us for their at-home care needs, they are choosing a company that cares about the whole person. We offer assistance that reaches beyond the basic activities of daily living, helping seniors to pursue their favorite recreational pursuits. As our caregivers get to know you, they can organize activities to help you stay socially engaged. They can even share a meal with you so that you don’t have to eat all your meals alone. Pursuing leisure activities not only helps seniors break up the monotony of winter but also fosters social connections, which helps to combat isolation.
Transportation Assistance
Another way Visiting Angels Richmond is helping seniors combat isolation during winter is by providing transportation assistance. During the winter, transportation can pose a significant challenge for seniors who want to remain active, especially for those who have stopped driving or prefer to avoid driving in the dark. This means some seniors decline social opportunities that occur later in the day simply because they don’t have a way of getting there. Visiting Angels Richmond provides transportation services as a part of our at-home care services. Our caregivers can transport you to local senior centers, grocery stores, and medical appointments or take you out to grab a special treat so that you don’t have to remain isolated at home.
Other Local Resources Helping to Combat Isolation
Beyond Visiting Angels Richmond, there are several local organizations and resources available to seniors who are prone to feeling lonely during the winter months.
Senior Centers: Richmond boasts several senior centers, such as the Linwood Robinson Center and the Shepherd’s Center of Richmond. Here, seniors can participate in various programs, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, and social events. Senior centers aim to create a warm, welcoming environment for seniors to connect with other seniors and make new friends in this season of their lives.
Volunteer Programs: Another great organization that helps seniors combat loneliness is RSVP of Richmond, a volunteer program that connects volunteers with seniors in need of companionship. Volunteers come to your home to provide social interaction and support. This can be a wonderful supplement to the at-home care services provided by Visiting Angels Richmond.
Transportation Services: Seniors in need of local transportation can turn to services like GRTC and Ride Connection, which offer specialized transportation options for seniors. Seniors can also check with their preferred senior center to see if the center provides round-trip transportation.
As we welcome the winter season, Visiting Angels Richmond wants to remind seniors that they do not need to face the season alone. We’re here to help seniors combat isolation by providing companionship and fostering connection. Whether you’re looking for help to get you through the season or are ready for a more lasting solution to enhance your daily life, we’re available to support you. To learn more, please contact us today by calling 804‑353‑0000.