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Bloomfield Hills, MI August 5, 2012 - Home care providers and caregivers keenly understand that people of every age share a handful of basic needs including food, water, shelter and feeling loved. A recent report in the Archives of Internal Medicine showed the effects of loneliness, described as a lack of meaningful contact with others that leads to painful distress, on adults over 60. Over six years, 24.8 percent of lonely older adults in the study lost some ability to perform daily living tasks, like bathing, eating and dressing. These seniors were also 45 percent more likely to die than other people their age who felt they had meaningful connections in their lives. “It is important to watch for signs of loneliness in your loved ones,” said ComForcare Home Care President Mark Armstrong. “Just because individuals are part of a family or community does not necessarily mean they feel included.” ComForcare, a national home care service, offers these tips for families and friends of aging adults to help prevent loneliness: • Share one meal a week with an older adult. Whether it is a family member, friend or neighbor, he or she will appreciate the company and hospitality. • Call just to say “Hi.” Just knowing that someone cares enough to check in can help make an older adult feel connected. Even a short, genuine conversation once a week or so lets the person know you care. • Ask for stories. Show you care by inquiring about your loved one’s past. What was her favorite childhood memory? How did he meet his wife? What was their favorite vacation? • Show kindness to a stranger. Some older adults feel lonely because they do not know how to reach out for help or they feel uncomfortable doing so. When you see a senior by him or herself, make a simple connection. Help carry groceries to the car, give a compliment or just chat about the weather. Interaction with family and friends is always welcomed by older adults. However, if you live far from elderly loved ones and think they would benefit from more companionship, consider hiring a home care service. Caregivers provide great companionship for those who live alone and need someone with whom they can chat, read or take walks. Home care services are available on a part-time basis, as needed, or around-the-clock for assistance, companionship and care. ComForcare Offers Companionship and Support ComForcare is a premier provider of private-duty home care services to people of all ages with offices conveniently located nationwide. Each location provides professional caregivers who make life easier for those coping with a chronic medical condition, recovering from an illness or injury, or dealing with the challenges of aging – in the comfort of their own home. ComForcare offers elderly care services including personal care, homemaking, transportation, companionship and family respite services to improve the quality of life and level of independence for every individual and family receiving its services. Each ComForcare office is independently owned and operated. ComForcare Home Care 2510 Telegraph Road, Suite 100 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 248-745-9700 http://www.comforcare.com
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