Studies show that seniors who lack social interaction and are bored are more likely to suffer from depression. In a study published in the Industrial Psychiatry Journal, researchers studied 55 elderly people to examine how depression, social interaction, and boredom are related. They concluded that being lonely and experiencing boredom were significant factors in developing depression. They also determined that the majority of older adults would prefer to continue participating in social activities.

If you are a family caregiver to a senior, the results of the study might come as no surprise to you. However, if the person is confined to a wheelchair, you may wonder how you can help them to remain involved with other people and avoid boredom. One way is to hire a home care provider to come to their house. A home care provider can be an excellent source of social engagement, enabling wheelchair bound seniors to get out of the house or even to prevent boredom when they are at home. Below are just a few things a home care provider can do with older adults in wheelchairs.

Go on Outings.

Home care providers can take older adults in wheelchairs to the places they enjoy. Whether it be to a museum, restaurant, zoo, or shopping mall, a home care provider can help seniors to get into a vehicle and assist them while they enjoy activities outside the home.

Help with Visitors.

Sometimes having visitors over to the house can be difficult for people in wheelchairs. They may not be able to prepare refreshments or might worry that the house isn’t clean enough. A home care provider can help make food to serve to guests and clean up the house in preparation. They can also greet guests at the door.

Rainy Day Activities.

Of course, your senior family member isn’t likely to want to go out or have friends over every day. But, a home care provider can still help them prevent boredom. Home care providers can play card or board games, help with a jigsaw puzzle, or do a craft activity with a senior. If the senior enjoys using a computer or tablet, a home care provider can help them to use social media to keep up with family and friends.

There’s no reason that being confined to a wheelchair has to stop your senior family member from doing things with friends and family. The above suggestions are only a few of the things a home care provider can do to reduce boredom and improve an older adult’s quality of life. If there’s something your family member enjoys, talk to their home care provider and find out how they can help.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Berwyn, PA, contact the caring professionals at Reliant At Home Care today (610) 674-6860.

 

Sources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3016701/