The average adult has a long list of personal and professional responsibilities. As a result, finding the time to visit a loved one who is residing at an assisted living facility can be a challenge. It's important that you find the time. Isolation is a serious issue that affects a number of seniors and can come with significant consequences.

What Is Senior Isolation?

Senior isolation is best defined as the absence of frequent and healthy interaction with other people. Contrary to popular belief, simply living in an assisted living facility doesn't absolve an individual from this situation. Your loved one could live in a facility with a lot of other people and still feel isolated. For example, it takes some seniors longer to adjust to their new living arrangement, causing them to be more reserved and isolate themselves.

Signs and Effects

If you want to protect your loved one, it's important that you be able to recognize the signs of senior isolation. Increased sadness, withdrawal, and a loss of appetite are just some of the common signs to look for. Another sign of isolation is a sudden disinterest in activities that they used to enjoy, such as a book or bridge club. If your loved one has been displaying these signs, it's a good idea to take a closer look.

In terms of effects, social isolation can affect an individual in a number of different ways. First, isolation increases your loved one's risk for depression, which can make them withdraw even more. Isolation can also cause a decline in physical health and possibly initiate an accelerated cognitive decline.  

Prevention

When it comes to preventing senior isolation, you play the most critical role. First, make it a habit to schedule time to visit with your loved one. Even if it's just Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 p.m., this interaction can help. You also want to help your loved one get involved with any activities hosted by the facility.

For instance, if there is a bingo night, maybe go with your loved one the first time so that they feel more comfortable to go on their own thereafter. If your loved one prepares their meals within their unit, maybe even consider investing in a meal plan so that they can visit the dining hall for more social interaction.

Make sure you are doing your part to keep your loved safe, happy and healthy and talk to an assisted living facility like United Methodist Village for more tips.