Music Therapy: The Benefits for People in Hospice

“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” – Elton John

Music has the power to evoke strong emotions, transport us back in time, lift spirits, ease and relax the mind and so much more. Music therapy can play an essential role in helping a loved one feel calm and at peace, while improving their mental health and overall well-being. For those in hospice care who are struggling physically, emotionally or spiritually, music can be an outlet to relieve some of their anxiety, stress or depression.

According to the American Music Therapy Association, the main functions of music therapy for hospice patients include:

  • Decreasing pain and discomfort through individualized interventions
  • Facilitating family communication, relationship completion and social interaction through creative means
  • Providing alternative opportunities for processing emotions related to death, dying or bereavement
  • Facilitating avenues for spiritual expression and support

At Liberty HomeCare and Hospice, our caregivers, volunteers and chaplains utilize the power of music for hospice patients on a regular basis to bring them comfort and help them feel relaxed. Music can boost moods, lessen pain, relieve agitation and promote deeper breathing.

A recent study found hospice patients have preserved hearing towards the end of life. Even when a loved one becomes unresponsive, they may still be able to hear, making music an important element for end of life care.

To learn more about our hospice services and how our team can incorporate music into your loved one’s care, call 800-999-9883.

 

 


Moments that Matter - Celebrating Holidays with Loved Ones in Hospice

 

There is no place like home for the holidays and that is why hospice can be a blessing for families and their loved ones this time of year. A family member’s illness can be emotional, stressful and heartbreaking, especially during the holidays. However, it is important to fill this season with as much joy as possible and to cherish the Moments that Matter while you still can.

Liberty HomeCare and Hospice enables your loved one to be where they feel most comfortable: their home. Our hospice services and caregivers emphasize comfort measures and counseling to deliver physical, emotional and spiritual support for everyone involved. Families sometimes put off seeking hospice care until after the holidays, but hospice can actually help their loved one stay at home in the center of family holiday activities while our caregivers manage their pain and symptoms, improving their quality of life.

If you are struggling with how to celebrate the holidays with a loved one who is ill, below are a few ideas for how you can maximize time together and create meaningful moments.

  • Modify your expectations and traditions: This holiday season will most likely feel and look different and that is okay. You may need to modify certain traditions because your loved one may not feel up to spending as much time together as they normally would like to. While this may be difficult to accept, try to focus on making the most of the time you are able to share together. Remember to listen to your loved one and acknowledge their feelings, concerns and needs.

 

  • Bring the holidays to your loved one: If your loved one feels more comfortable in bed or a certain location in their house, bring the holidays to them. Decorate that room with their favorite holiday décor or special items that hold meaning for them.

 

  • Don’t overdo it: This can be a stressful time for everyone involved. Packing in as much activity as possible as a distraction may not be the best thing for you or your loved one. Embrace quality time over quantity time. Just being present is enough. Make sure to take a moment for everyone to recharge. If you feel overwhelmed or need a break, Liberty HomeCare and Hospice offers respite care. Our team of volunteers can also step in to assist. 

 

  • Play music: The sounds of the season can be therapeutic, having a positive effect on a loved one’s overall well-being. Play their favorite holiday songs, sing along together and let the music calm your souls and warm your hearts.

 

  • Share family memories and stories: While gathering with family, encourage everyone to share a favorite memory or story. Stories that result in laughter will provide a sense of normalcy and comfort in the midst of this difficult time. Even if a family member is non-responsive, studies show they can hear their surroundings. Hearing their family tell stories and laugh can bring comfort and peace to your loved one. 

At Liberty HomeCare and Hospice, we want to be a support system for you and your family during this transition marked by dignity and meaning. We promise to provide care that will comfort and relieve stress for all involved. Whether your loved one needs nursing care from our team of registered and licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants, spiritual support from our chaplains and spiritual care coordinators or simply a caring, supportive hand to hold from our patient care volunteers, our team provides an integrated approach to care that evolves as your family’s needs change. 

To learn more about how Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services can help your family, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-999-9883.


Moments That Matter: Country Singer Alan Jackson Sends Message Of Hope To Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Patient

Country singer Alan Jackson recently sent a message of hope to a Liberty HomeCare and Hospice patient after learning he had a super fan in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

To hospice patient Dean Ivey, Alan Jackson is more than just a country singer. He said he adopted Jackson as a brother long before he even won his first music award. He said he appreciates Jackson’s faith and family values and relates to him on many levels. He shared all this with Medical Social Worker Donna Brock.

Brock reached out to Jackson’s team and told them all about Mr. Ivey. To her surprise, the team responded within 24 hours. They sent Mr. Ivey a T-shirt, new CDs, a baseball cap, an autographed photo and a heartfelt and sincere letter of appreciation thanking Mr. Ivey for his support and wishing him well.

Mr. Ivey felt overwhelmed by the gift. Through a smile and tears, he said, “You don’t know how much this kind and thoughtful gift means to me.”

When a person is placed in hospice care, it becomes incredibly important to celebrate ‘Moments that Matter’ with loved ones because every moment counts. This was one of those moments and Liberty HomeCare and Hospice is thankful Jackson and his team made it possible.


Liberty HomeCare & Hospice is Searching for Compassionate Volunteers

 

For those facing life-limiting illnesses without a support system, Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Volunteers can make all the difference in the world. They are more than just a volunteer -- they are a friend.  If a patient does have a support system in place, they are a breath of fresh air so caregivers can focus on their own health for a moment while a volunteer steps in to assist. As the demand for home care and hospice grows, so does the need for volunteers who play such a vital role at a critical point in our patients’ lives.

Compassionate volunteers are needed in a variety of roles. Depending on your comfort level, there are opportunities to interact with patients in-person, over the phone or by simply writing a letter or birthday card. Our volunteer managers will work with you to help you find the perfect fit that compliments your natural skills and what you are passionate about.

There are several ways you can volunteer your time, both in person or in the comfort of your own home. 

 

Become a Patient/Family Volunteer:

Patient/family volunteers assist in providing care and support to patients and their family by making regular visits. They can sit with the patient while caregivers run errands or complete other tasks. This simple gesture is imperative to prevent caregiver burnout, which happens to some caregivers who focus so much on their loved one that they forget to take care of their own mental and physical health. 

Become a Life Enrichment Volunteer:

Life enrichment volunteers assist with activities at facilities. These activities include bingo, singing or reading the newspaper. The ideal volunteer is energetic and comfortable leading a group of seniors in activities. 

Provide Emotional Support with a Pet Companion:

Volunteers with well-trained pets are encouraged to bring them along to visit patients to provide emotional comfort and support. 

Become a Pen-Pal:

Volunteers are needed to write letters or birthday cards to patients to let them know someone is thinking of them. 

Become an Eleventh Hour Volunteer:

Eleventh hour volunteers are needed in the final moments of a patient’s life. They can hold their hand, play soft music, read a passage aloud or simply be present. The goal is to ensure no one passes away alone. 

Become a Bereavement Volunteer:

Bereavement volunteers are needed in person or by telephone to provide support for families who have lost a loved. Simply being there to listen can make all the difference to someone who is grieving. 

Sew Memory Bears:

Volunteers with sewing experience can use their skills to make Memory Bears. The bears are created using articles of clothing donated by family members of our deceased patients. The bears are kept as a keepsake for the family and can hopefully help them through the grieving process. This is an easy way to volunteer from the comfort of your own home while providing a family with a special memento of their loved one.

Sew Bears for Children:

In some cases, a stuffed bear can be used to help explain the illness or pending death of a loved one to a child. We will provide the bear pattern, stuffing and thread. 

 

Volunteering for hospice offers you an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our patients and their family members. Becoming a volunteer is easy. All you have to do is click here and fill out a simple questionnaire. One of our volunteer managers will reach out and work with you to place you in the perfect volunteer role based on your skills, passions and the time you want to give.  

Thank you in advance for considering becoming a Liberty HomeCare & Hospice Volunteer. The need is great and the impact you could have on someone’s life is even greater.


Tips for Staying Safe This Fall

Daylight savings is coming to an end, and fall is approaching us quickly.

This time of year is full of beautiful autumn colors. The weather starts to cool down, and the days become shorter and nights, longer. But with all things in life, it's important to take note of ways we can keep our loved ones safe through environmental changes. Here are a few of our tips to keep the seniors in your life safe this new season.

 

Prevent Falls and Accidents

Each year about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It’s safe to say that some of these falls may be in autumn.

The autumn leaves decorating your driveway might be mesmerizing to look at, but it is important to rake them up regularly as they are a slip hazard for seniors. Keep all pathways and driveways clear of any debris so that your loved ones are able to walk safely to and from their home.

As the days get shorter, there won’t be as much natural light in and around the house. Make sure all the lightbulbs are changed to ensure there’s plenty of light, so your loved ones can get around easily. Also, make sure there are extra batteries and flashlights for emergency situations to help your seniors prepare for any kind of event. 

It is important to take preventative measures to protect the senior in your life from falling or having an accident. Slip free shoes, handrails, plenty of lighting, are all simple ways to ensure the safety of seniors indoors and out.

 If the senior in your life already has a hard time getting around due to a back or knee injury, physical therapy is a great option for them to gain back their strength and be able to navigate through their homes and outside of their homes safely. Here at Liberty, we provide physical therapy for our homecare patients, and will make sure to provide your seniors with the tools necessary to be able to safely get in and around their home.


Fire and Carbon Monoxide Monitors

According to John Hopkins Medicine, space heaters increase the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. By hiring a professional to check all furnaces and heaters, you can ensure they are working properly for the cooler days and would keep your seniors safer throughout fall and winter. 

As daylight savings time is ending, it would also be a good idea to change out the batteries in the fire alarm systems, along with the carbon monoxide detector. Check them again in March when daylight savings starts back up. This schedule will make it easier for everyone to remember when the last update was.

 

Stay Healthy and Active

Unfortunately, with the beautiful autumn leaves and crisp weather comes... flu season. It is important to remind your seniors and everyone that comes in contact with them to wash their hands with soap and water regularly. Keeping germs at bay will help decrease the chances of catching the flu and spreading it to others. Also, make sure your senior speaks with their doctor on whether or not they should get a flu shot. 

Having a healthy diet along with regular exercise are also great ways to stay healthy during the fall. Whether it’s taking a walk outside in the newly crisp air or participating in a community yoga class, it’s important for senior citizens to move their bodies and get their blood flowing. Regular exercise helps strengthen the body and promotes healthy joints, which in return, helps prevent falls. If your senior feels like their body is not able to perform daily exercise due to pain, injury or a chronic condition, physical therapy exercises can help restore their body function and get them back to exercising as close to pain free as possible.

While we can take many preventative measures to ensure the safety of our seniors, if the senior in your life is suffering from chronic back, knee or joint pain, these symptoms increase their risk of taking a fall. Contact Liberty Homecare and Hospice Services to learn more about our physical therapy services. Through these services, we support seniors to be able to perform their daily activities with confidence  and reduce costly trips back and forth to the hospital.

Ask your medical doctor to fill out a referral for our Physical Therapy services on our website. Let Liberty help you receive the expert care you deserve.

 

 


Seniors Can Monitor Their Health with Technology

In today’s digital age, there are more options for keeping track of your health than ever before. From smart watches to apps, older adults can monitor their health from the comfort of their own home. This can make it easier to keep track of daily habits and any health conditions that require recording symptoms in between doctor visits. Health professionals use this vital information to provide the best care for their patients and identify any changes in a patient’s health. Let’s take a look at how seniors can monitor their health with technology.

Tech Designed to Help Patients Track Their Health

Apps to Manage Medications

To help your loved one maintain their health, it’s important that they take their medications at the right time and use the correct dosage. If they have multiple medications, this can easily become confusing and overwhelming to manage on their own. Additionally, some medications must be taken with or without food to avoid causing stomach issues. 

 

Luckily, there are apps and devices designed to help people manage their medications. Seniors can download and use a medication reminder app. These health apps help people track their medications, send refill medication reminders, and notify the user of when they need to take their medications. Your loved one will hear an alert and notification, which will display on their phone’s home screen with instructions on what to take and when. 

 

Alternatively, your loved one may benefit from a medical management device instead. This does not require a smartphone, which some seniors may struggle to use based on their health conditions. A medical management device will hold a few days worth of medication with different alarms that beep and vibrate when it’s for your loved one to take their medicine. Some devices also offer phone call options, which include emergency contact lines in case a senior needs to call for help.

Devices to Track Pain and Symptoms

If your loved one suffers from chronic pain or changes in their health, this has a significant impact on their overall health and well-being. They will likely need to keep track of their symptoms and changes in health, which can be difficult to monitor on their own. Doctors need this vital information to provide the best treatment plan for your loved one. 

 

Like the medication management apps, there are digital health monitoring devices and apps designed to track a person’s health, and symptoms. This is an effective way for older adults to continue living on their own for as long as possible, but also being able to keep track of their health changes in an easy, user-friendly way. You can find several options for wearable medical alert devices for older adults, such as MobileHelp or Medical Guardian. These devices that are worn on the wrist track a person’s biometric data (i.e. brainwaves, heart rate, muscle biosignals, and more) and provide key data related to their specific health conditions. 

 

Additionally, older adults also have access to health apps that track changes to a person’s health. These highly advanced apps will track when a senior experiences pain and symptoms. The apps will even show the location of the pain on an image of a human body, which helps health professionals know where the pain is coming from. These apps also include medication logs and graphs showing health trends over time. 

 

At Liberty Homecare and Hospice services, we use new telemonitoring technology that is implemented into a patient’s home and enables our professionals to monitor patients' health virtually. Alongside monitoring the health of our patients, our telemonitoring system provides the patient with access to our professionals at any time by phone or internet. The health information being gathered in real time, helps our professionals make the best decisions possible during the virtual appointments. Our telemonitoring services are a great way to be able to stay connected to your healthcare professional from the comfort of your home.

Find the Right Tech for Your Loved One’s Needs

As new technology continually emerges, it can feel overwhelming to find the best device and/or app for your loved one’s needs. We recommend discussing with your loved one’s primary care for recommendations and doing research for high-quality health products. While it may be a more costly investment, having peace of mind that your loved one can continue to safely live at home, manage their health, and take their medications correctly is worth it. Contact Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services today to learn more about our telemonitoring services designed to help seniors achieve their health goals and maintain their independence.


Liberty Healthcare’s Commitment To Employee Wellness Earns Award

 

Liberty Healthcare Management is a proud winner of the Aetna Workplace Well-being Inspiring Change Award.

The Aetna Workplace Well-being Award program aims to create a healthier workplace for employees through innovative programs.

Liberty Healthcare received the award based on an evaluation of our Wellness Discount Program that incentivizes and encourages employees to get an annual physical and other preventative screenings depending on their age.

The requirements for the preventative screenings include:

          -        Mammogram for women ages 40 to 69 every 12-24 months

          -        Cervical Cancer Screening for women ages 21 to 64 every 36 months

          -        Colorectal Cancer Screening for adults ages 50 to 75

                    o   Fecal Occult Blood Test every year

                    o   Cologuard Test every 3 years

                    o   Sigmoidoscopy every 5 years or Colonoscopy every 10 years

By participating in the Wellness Discount Program, an employee can earn $20 extra per pay period or $40 if their spouse participates as well. That adds up to $520 annually for individuals and $1,040 for couples.

Our incredible employees made this esteemed award possible by making their well-being a priority and taking the measures necessary to stay healthy.

Liberty Healthcare’s Well-being Mission:

“Well at work creates and maintains a culture of health by encouraging employees and their families to lead healthier lifestyles, which fosters a more engaged, productive, and committed workforce, and ultimately a more positive work environment.”     

 

 


At-Home Exercises for Older Adults

No matter your age, exercise is an effective way to help live a healthy life. For older adults, getting regular physical activity can be challenging. This can be due to a lack of proper fitness space, bad weather, or not having the support necessary to maintain an exercise routine. Keep reading to discover a few easy exercises that older adults can perform at home.

Simple Exercises Helps Improve Your Long-Term Health 

Older adults can gain positive health benefits from performing simple at-home exercises. While there are a wide variety of exercise types, a key goal should be to focus on improving one’s balance, mobility, and strength. In turn, this can help seniors improve their overall health and well-being, as well as increase their likelihood of living independently in the comfort of their homes.

Three At-Home Exercises for Older Adults 

1. The Sit-to-Stand Exercise

When it comes to living independently, an older adult must be able to safely sit down and stand up from furniture or the toilet. If given approval from their doctor, older adults can perform a sit-to-stand exercise at home. This will help improve seniors’ core strength, leg muscles, and overall balance. To give them a challenge, seniors can stand up from a chair or bed without using their hands. In turn, this can help them maintain their health and mobility.

2. The Single Lamb Stance

Like standing up, maintaining one’s balance is a crucial factor for determining whether a senior requires assistance with performing ADLs (activities of daily living). Balance is required for all types of movement, including going up and down different stairs, carrying items, and getting in and out of the shower or bathtub. By performing an exercise that focuses on balance and stability, this can help improve mobility and reduce the risk for falls.

When performing the single lamb stance, follow these tips:

  • Stand with your feet together and have your arms at your side next to a chair
  • Slowly raise your left foot off the floor by a few inches
  • Hold this position for at least 10 seconds and then slowly switch to the other foot
  • If possible, raise your left hand over your head and carefully lift your left foot, holding this position for 10 seconds
  • Repeat this process with the other arm and leg

3. Marching In Place

Walking is an excellent, low-impact form of exercise for people of all ages. Seniors that regularly walk can benefit from stronger muscles, reduced risk of diabetes, falls, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and weight, as well as better balance. Of course, it’s not realistic that you can always go outside and walk. This is where marching in place makes a great simple exercise to do at home. Older adults can hold on to a stable surface like a counter or a chair to maintain their balance while marching. It’s recommended to stand straight and slowly lift your right knee as high as you can. Then, lower that knee and switch to the left knee and repeat this process. If possible, try to perform this exercise for a total of 20 times. 

While you may think you are too old to start exercising, this is far from true! It’s always a good time to exercise, as long as you have received approval from your doctor. These 3 basic exercises are an easy way to start a physical activity routine for just 10 minutes a day. Overtime, you may find that you are ready to add more exercises into your routine. Health experts recommend performing 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Keep in mind that this number will vary depending on each senior’s specific health needs. 

We hope you found this week’s article helpful discussing simple at-home exercises to perform. Contact Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services today to learn more about our expert, compassionate care designed to help our amazing seniors achieve their health goals and live the highest quality of life possible. We offer everything from home care to hospice care


Tips to Promote Independence for Seniors

As seniors age, a common concern is losing their independence. It’s no surprise that aging poses new challenges regarding one’s health and ability to do things on their own safely. Let’s take a look at several lifestyle tips for promoting independence for seniors.

How Can Seniors Take Control of Their Lives?

Create a Daily or Weekly Schedule

When people get older, they may feel like they no longer have a purpose. Common reasons include their children growing up and moving out, they retired from work, and/or they lost a spouse. To help them have a reason for getting up each morning, it’s a great idea to create a daily or weekly schedule. This can include eating breakfast, reading the mail, going for a walk, or even calling a close friend. 

Make Time for Your Mental Health and Socializing with Others

Older adults may find that they have more doctor appointments to go to, which is necessary for staying healthy. While these appointments are important, remember to make time for your mental health. Everyone needs time to relax, spend time with friends, and do something they enjoy. Fun hobbies may include reading a favorite book, gardening, or learning a new recipe.

Make Decisions About Your Future

It’s never too late to make important plans about your future. You can meet with a financial planner or lawyer, who can help guide you on these life decisions. As you plan on your future, consider the following factors:

  • The type of healthcare you would like to receive
  • Choosing your power of attorney
  • Choosing your health care proxy
  • Choosing the types of home care and assistance you would like to receive if needed

Keep in mind that doing this will also significantly reduce the stress and pressure on your loved one’s that would be in charge of making these important healthcare decisions if you hadn’t planned it out already.

Safety Proofing Your Home

To maintain your independence for as long as possible, it’s important to create a safer home environment. This involves minor changes to your home that will make it safer to get around on your own. For example, you may consider installing non-slip floors, handrails, and using a shower bench in your bathroom. To make it easier to see at night, make sure to use nightlights in the hallways and bathrooms. You may also want to consider wearing a safety alarm, which is a nice safety net if you were to fall down. 

As you continue to age, you may find that living on your own is no longer the safest option. That doesn’t mean you have lost your independence though. You can move into a senior community home where you can still live at home, but receive assistance with housekeeping duties.

Find Ways to Relax

It can be stressful at any age, which includes older adults too. It’s important to find effective, safe ways to help you relax. For many seniors, they find that meditation and practicing mindfulness are excellent ways to reduce their anxiety, depression, and overall stress. With less stress, it’s much easier to maintain one’s independence. 

Don’t Let Your Age Define Your Life

When you stay active, you are less likely to feel your actual age. This includes spending time with friends, exercising, making decisions about their lives, and practicing mindfulness. Feeling younger is a great benefit because it will help you maintain your mental and physical health. 

Exercise On a Regular Basis

It’s recommended that you talk with your primary care doctor to determine if you are healthy enough for regular exercise. If you are, ask them for specific suggestions for how you can stay fit. By exercising on a daily basis, it will be easier to maintain your balance, mobility, and weight. You will also reduce your risks of falls, which is a main reason that causes seniors to lose their independence. 

Connect with Friends

While family and caregivers play a key role in helping you stay healthy and maintain your independence, it’s essential that you make time to connect with friends. By socializing, it will help keep your brain healthy and help reduce your risk of mental illnesses later on. Who knew spending time with others was so important?

Find New Hobbies

Aging can lead to new challenges regarding what you do for fun. If you can no longer participate in certain hobbies, this is a great opportunity to find a new hobby. This will help give you a purpose and likely lead to making new friends!

We hope you enjoyed this week’s article about tips for promoting seniors’ independence. It’s never easy getting older, but you can still enjoy life and maintain your independence for as long as possible. By using these lifestyle tips, you can take the steps to maintain your long-term health and wellness too. Contact Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services today to learn how we can help you achieve your independence through our home care services. 


Why a Family Support System is Important for the Elderly

As people age, having a family support system is crucial for the elderly. A support system provides a social network, helps improve their loved one’s health, and can even extend their life compared to older adults without any friends or family. Let’s take a look at why a family support system is beneficial for the elderly.

A Direct Connection Between Family and Health

A United States Aging Survey found that 30 percent of seniors believe staying connected to family and friends is a main concern. The survey found that most seniors believe that maintaining relationships with family and friends is more important than having financial support. Aside from older adults’ views, studies have shown a direct connection between an older adult’s health and their relationship with family. Indeed, family is important for the elderly’s mental, physical, and social health.

What Are the Benefits of a Family Support System for the Elderly?

1. Longer Life Expectancy

When older adults maintain social connections with their family members, this can increase their life expectancy compared to those that are socially isolated. It may not be an obvious benefit, but a family’s presence can improve their overall health in their remaining years. This is also true for those with dementia.

2. Stronger Immune System

Older adults that have a family support system and regularly connect with others typically have stronger immune systems. This is a major benefit, especially since older adults tend to have weaker immune systems as they age. In turn, a healthier immune system will be better equipped to fight off illnesses that older adults come in contact with.

3. Better Mental Health

Another benefit for seniors that stay close with family is having improved mental health compared to those that aren’t close to loved ones. It’s important for older adults to socialize with their family and to be reminded that they are loved and valued. This can help seniors be less likely to suffer from mental illnesses like depression.

4. Better Brain Health

Older adults who stay socially connected also benefit from having higher levels of cognitive function. Studies have shown that those that enjoyed participating in social activities were more likely to have better memory and thinking skills. On the other hand, older adults that did not enjoy socializing experienced a decrease in their cognitive health.

5. A Family Support System

Like any family, the type of support and interactions change overtime. A parent that once supported and took care of their child will eventually have the roles reversed as the adult child cares for and supports the aging parent. This is a normal part of life. 

For many aging parents, financial support is necessary to receive the medical care required as they age. When their family is able to offer this support, this can melt away some of the stress that an older adult may feel. This is important, especially when stress can weaken an older adult's already weakened immune system. 

Additionally, emotional support is another major benefit of having a support system. It helps to have someone to talk to and listen to them about their good and bad days. This shows them that their family cares, which can have a positive impact on their outlook on life. 

Another type of support is to help older adults perform daily activities, such as cleaning their house, going shopping, or even cooking. If an older adult has a bigger family, the family can take turns helping the older adult out. These simple acts can make a big difference in helping seniors not feel alone.

6. Friendships Are Important Too

Since not every older adult has family near them, they can still benefit from social connections and support from old and new friends. Studies have shown that having strong social connections has a positive benefit to seniors’ health, whether that is with friends or family. 

If an older adult wants to make new friends, there are quite a few tips to achieve this great goal. Older adults can visit their local pool, volunteer at a local organization, take a community class for seniors, or join a gym. There are plenty of options to discover new friendships and stay connected with others. 

We hope this article was helpful, especially if you have an older adult in your life. A family support system isn’t just beneficial, it’s crucial for the elderly’s mental, physical, and emotional health and well-being. For those that do not have nearby family, a close group of friends can still provide the same benefits. Contact Liberty HomeCare and Hospice Services today to learn more about our home care, hospice care, and palliative care designed to help your loved one’s achieve their highest quality of life in the place they love - their homes.