When you have senior relatives that you care for, part of that care will be in noticing their mood and their social life. It may sound like such a trivial thing to worry about their physical health and wellbeing. But you should put their social life at the top of your list. Why? Because that’s the first place you’ll look to tell whether your relative is isolated or not.
Isolation happens as we age but it doesn’t have to be the norm for your relatives. You may already know that isolation can be a symptom of other issues, such as hearing loss or dementia and the mental health effects of hearing problems can be obvious in a previously excited and social person becoming more of a hermit.
You will notice pretty quickly whether your elderly relative is isolating and withdrawing into themselves. It’s your job to take care of them. But you’re not sure what to look for, here’s what to consider.
Is your elderly relative outwardly telling you that they feel alone or they’re not going out as much as they used to? That initial outward announcement is the first cry for help you should be paying attention to. Other signs include a low mood, low energy and fatigue. It can be exhausting trying to get the brain to work the way it always has done, so a lot of sleep and not a lot of conversation are clear signs of isolation.
If you notice the signs and symptoms happening, pay attention and call it out. Book the hearing test, book the GP appointment and don’t let them deal with it alone. Your acknowledgement can make all the difference to your relative’s well being because not only will they feel heard, but they’ll feel like they’re not so alone anymore.
Social health is still so much more of an idea than it is actual healthcare, but consider yourself. You know that work gives you motivation, your family gives you joy – your friends, they give you that social bar you need. Relationships – and the lack of them – influence your long term health and the longevity of it as much as things like drinking or smoking can do. It can always help to start the conversation if you’re worried about them.
If you have conversations with your relatives that raise some pink and red flags to loneliness, get the right resources lined up for them. There are plenty out there that you can suggest, from phone lines to aged care help to social groups in the elderly community. There are even programs out there that can match your relative to a companion program to help them have support.
Elderly relatives need as much support as they can get, and if you are in the position to help them out, then noticing signs of isolation can really help you to support them.
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