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Reducing Feelings of Isolation in Older Veterans

Those who are caregivers of Veterans know they often have to find unique and sometimes subtle ways to help a hurting loved one. Consider these tips.

If your elderly loved one is a Veteran, you might notice that they often have a more difficult time than others sharing about their feelings, especially if they feel the emotions they are having portray them as weak or if they might be a burden to others. Veterans are used to taking care of not only themselves, but those around them as well, so asking for help when things get tough – especially emotionally – can be tough for them. Those who are caregivers of Veterans know they often have to find unique and sometimes subtle ways to help a hurting loved one. Set up visits from Veterans home care providers. Finding someone who understands what your loved one has been through can help them find the connections they need to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Top Indicators that Your Elderly Loved One Might Be Lonely

  • Veterans Home Care Northport, NY - Reducing Feelings of Isolation in Older Veterans
    Veterans Home Care Northport, NY – Reducing Feelings of Isolation in Older Veterans

    They often talk about people not needing them anymore or not having a place in the world around them. They might feel like technology has replaced them.

  • They withdraw more and more from activities and gatherings with others. It might look as though they are purposely making themselves isolated, but since loneliness often brings on depression, the two can go hand-in-hand in making your loved one just want to withdraw from it all.
  • They’ve started participating in bad habits more and more. They might be drinking alcohol more, smoking more, eating too much, or sleeping too much.
  • They’ve stopped caring about how they look and caring for themselves. They may feel like they don’t need to look good for anyone since no one cares.
  • They spend too much time watching TV or on social media.
  • Their energy is extremely low, and they find it difficult to get the energy needed to go out and do things, making them stay home more often.

Ways to Help Alleviate Loneliness in Your Loved One

  1. While talking to your loved one can be difficult, talk to your loved one gently about what they are feeling. They may not use the words “lonely” or “isolated,” but listen closely for other statements that may mean the same thing.
  2. Help them reconnect with family or friends that they haven’t seen for a while. They might just need an extra push in the right direction to help them take their own steps toward feeling more connected.
  3. Encourage them to rediscover favorite past times or learn some new ones. Attending a class or hobbyist group can help your loved one not only do something they love, but also connect with others in the process.
  4. If it’s possible, consider having your loved one adopt a pet to not only alleviate their loneliness but also provide a sense of purpose. Pets can give elderly veterans something to protect and provide for again.

Getting Help with your Veterans Care

Finding the right person to help you provide Veterans home care to your elderly loved one can help you be a better caregiver. Someone who has empathy and experience with Veterans home care can often be best for those who have elderly loved ones who are Veterans. Your elderly loved one will appreciate having someone who understands them and is more likely to find success in alleviating those feelings of loneliness and isolation.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Veterans Home Care Services in Northport, NY, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827

Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and NYC, including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stony Brook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County. 

Stephen Sternbach

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