July 30th is International Day of Friendship. It’s a day created by the UN in hopes of building strong bonds between people of all races, income levels, religions, and ages. It’s a good day to take a closer look at the friendships your mom has.
After retirement, it’s common to lose touch with friends and co-workers. Seniors often move to be closer to grandchildren or for a lower cost of living on retirement income. Some move to warmer climates. The move can be isolating and lead to a lack of friends.
Friendships and socialization are critical to aging. Studies have found that people who are isolated and lonely tend to have shorter lifespans. Depression is common. Does your mom have friends in the area still? Here are tips on how to help her make new friendships.
Frequent a Senior Center.
Senior centers are a great place to make new friends. Your mom can go through the monthly calendar and find activities that appeal to her passions. She might want to join a crocheting club or attend an afternoon movie presentation. She may find herself loving a writing group or a bridge tournament. There are luncheons, dances, and even cultural studies.
Join a Church or Cultural Group.
If your mom doesn’t participate in a church program, it’s a good way to make friends and enjoy social activities. There are churches that focus on one specific denomination like Methodists or churches that don’t stick to any specific denomination.
If she’s not particularly religious, she might find herself enjoying a Buddhist Center where she’ll learn about meditation and relaxation. There are also groups for people who are Agnostic. Other ideas that may appeal to your mom are cultural groups that teach about foods, language, and history.
Visit the Local Library.
Senior centers have plenty of programs for people over a certain age. Public libraries hold events for all ages. Your mom may want to join a book discussion group. Libraries often host history lectures, movie nights, and classes for senior citizens.
Hire a Caregiver.
Caregivers are there to offer companionship as well as help with daily activities. When you hire a caregiver, your mom gets a friend, a person to help cook meals, and someone to do laundry and light housework. Your mom also gets a chauffeur if needed. Learn more about these and other services offered by caregivers.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable caregiver services in Oakwood, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
- The 5 Most Common Signs of Malnutrition In Seniors - November 22, 2024
- Personal Home Care in Gainesville, Georgia: Supporting Independence and Quality of Life - November 20, 2024
- 7 Tips for Caring for an Aging Loved One with Alzheimer’s Disease - November 15, 2024
