The Value of Social Connections With Companion Care at Home

By Wendy Cregger | July 6, 2023 |

As she ages, your mom’s social circle has dwindled. She used to have dozens of friends and coworkers, but now she’s lucky if she sees one person each month. Her mobility keeps her from going out, and she’s not at work and socializing each day.

Socialization is a vital part of healthy aging, yet it’s also something that changes as you age. The number of friends you have can change after retirement, as people move to other areas to be closer to family or in an area with a lower cost of living, and to illnesses and death.

An inactive social life increases the risk of developing health issues like heart disease, depression, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. People who eat alone are more likely to choose fast, convenient meals or takeout, and those are often high fat, high sodium, and high sugar.

It’s clear that daily social contact benefits your mom’s mental, emotional, and physical health, so what do you do to help her build a stronger social network?

Get Her Involved in Her Community

Volunteering is a great way to socialize and develop an active social life. If your mom isn’t involved in her community, encourage her to do so. There are many ways she can join in.

She’s an excellent quilter. Your mom could start quilting classes at her local library or community center. She could join a community gardening group that grows vegetables for local food shelves.

If she cannot leave the home without a driver, there are still ways to join her community. Many senior centers provide free transportation if asked. She could attend a book group, afternoon luncheon, or Yoga class. You can hire a caregiver to drive her if that’s better for your mom’s needs.

Stop by After Work

If you live nearby, stop in after work and have your dinner at your mom’s house. If others in the family can also join you, make sure they do. If everyone brings a salad, entree, or main dish, no one has to take the time to cook a full meal. It saves time and boosts socialization.

Invite Neighbors Over

Does your mom know her neighbors? Do you? Get to know them. Host a barbecue and invite them over to meet your mom.

You might find that a new mom would love to have company on walks. If your mom could push the stroller while the mom chases after her toddler, it benefits both of them.

Arrange to Have Caregivers Visit Often

If you’re not close enough to visit your mom each day, make sure she has companion care at home. Caregivers can stop by each day, join your mom for a healthy, home-cooked meal, and take her on fun outings.

With a caregiver’s help, your mom can actively volunteer in her community, go for walks to get enough exercise, and safely spend time in her gardens. Reach out to a companion care at home specialist to learn more.

If you or an aging loved-one is considering companion care at home in Hampstead, MD please contact the caring staff at Help at Home Services, LLC today. (443) 275-1524

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Wendy Cregger

Marketing Director at Help at Home Services, LLC

Help at Home Services’ mission is to provide superior service through the same care, concern and compassion that we give our own families.

With our 15 years of experience as a residential service agency, licensed by the State of Maryland Department of Health, we provide families with peace of mind that their loved one is in good hands.

Non-medical services are provided by certified nursing assistants. All caregivers are thoroughly screened, bonded and insured using comprehensive background checks.

Each client is matched with the caregiver who can best meet the care plan and homemaker services specific to the needs of the individual, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted-living or nursing community.

Help at Home Services takes great pride in the services that we provide. We have several specialized programs that sets us apart. Whether you are dealing with Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's/dementia, or you are recovering from joint replacement surgery we can help you conquer the tasks that prove to be challenging. We also have a transition home program and provide a discharge planning guide to ensure that you have considered all aspects of life at home after hospitalization.