We are in and out of Long-Term Care homes, Retirement Homes, Hospitals, and individual homes in the community with seniors. We see the need for many aging adults to have companionship or wellness visits of some kind. Loneliness and outside stimulation can be very lacking in some cases. There is more need for this service than is received. It is heartbreaking!
Honestly, it is disappointing when we hear that some folks think that once someone relocates to Long-Term Care, they no longer need that kind of visit for various reasons. The value of having someone other than the immediate caregivers visit a loved one can be invaluable and an integral part of advocacy, care and engagement. We can be a second set of eyes and ears and sometimes can get your loved one to participate when you cannot.
When someone is aging at home, they often have a circle of neighbours or friends for a social circle; but this is not always the case. If there isn’t a circle of support, a key piece of the puzzle is having a visit of any kind and helping with the simplest of things. Examples are changing a lightbulb, helping with laundry, playing games like cards or other activities that they enjoy or sometimes just listening to stories with a cup of tea. It provides peace of mind that someone is checking in and has a pulse on physical and mental health of a loved one as well.
Caregivers often feel overwhelmed, anxious, struggling with decision fatigue, and have little balance in their life. So many times, we see that they need support, a listening ear, some guidance or small suggestions that can make such a big difference. It also allows them to take breaks and have some self-care time for those days that they are needed the most.
