This time of year can be very trying for the elderly. Despite advances in technology and the ability to communicate easily, research indicates that people of all ages are lonelier than ever before. Growing older tends to bring on a more solitary lifestyle. Friends start to pass away, family members become more independent and without regular hobbies or activities, social circles start to dwindle.
The loss of social contact and fulfilling relationships impacts one’s emotional health as well as physical health. Loneliness is a risk factor for all-cause mortality. It also decreases one’s ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing and toileting. Medical professionals surmise that loneliness increases cortisol levels in the body, similar to chronic stress, which contributes to inflammation and impairs the immune system.
To combat loneliness in your senior loved ones, pay close attention to their daily schedules. Make sure they are involved in social activities, have someone with which to share a meal, and have access to communication with family and friends via phone or computer on a regular basis. It may also help to consider senior living arrangements where there are structured social events, common dining and gathering areas. The transition to senior living may be difficult at first, but once acclimated can really be a cure for loneliness. It helps to feel safe and know that there are others to converse with all around your environment.
If your elderly loved one is experiencing loneliness and you think a transition to senior living is appropriate, reach out to the experienced elder law attorneys at Stouffer Legal in the Greater Baltimore area to discuss options.
What is long-term care planning?
Planning for the possibility of long-term care gives you time to learn about services in your community, what they cost and which options work best for your loved one’s situation. Long-term care planning involves evaluating a variety of services designed to meet your loved one’s health and personal care needs. It may involve transitioning to a new type of residence or incorporating helpful services such as transportation, meal services or in-home nursing care. The planning process also looks carefully at the financial component. Seniors may use a variety of resources to pay for long-term care such as:
- Personal funds, including pensions, savings, and income from stocks;
- Government health insurance programs, such as Medicaid. Medicare does not cover long-term care but may cover some costs of short-term care in a nursing home after a hospital stay;
- Private financing options, such as long-term care insurance; or
- Veterans’ benefits.
To get started with a consultation at Stouffer Legal, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at (443) 470-3599, emailing us at office@stoufferlegal.com, or register for an upcoming free webinar using the link below:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6778434630122164238
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7312967705523612176
2/12 (Sat) https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/861132429824275214
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