5 signs of adult loneliness

Does your aging parent have no one to talk to? Is your chronically-ill spouse almost always alone at home? 

If your family member needs physical and emotional support but has no one else to rely on other than you — they are suffering from adult loneliness. According to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated. They tend to suffer mostly due to factors like living alone, the loss of family, chronic illness, and hearing issues. 
Seeing your family member go through this stage of life is heartbreaking. Long-term illness, disability, and aging have many devastating after-effects, the most prominent of which is loss of self-identity and life purpose. Adult loneliness can be easily spotted by looking closely at your loved one’s day-to-day lifestyle. Some clear signs of their discomfort are: 

Declining physical and mental abilities

If your father forgets to take his medicine, doesn’t remember what time it is or when his appointments are, he can’t get out of the car, or climb stairs without you, his body is gradually giving up, and he needs help. When you’re not around, they can end up feeling helpless and stuck. In such cases, a non-medical companion will help them live a normal life with pride and gain more self-esteem, so that things don’t come to a halt when you’re not around. 

Loss of professional identity

Without a job and and human interaction your parent or spouse has nowhere to go throughout the day. They are stuck with the stress, monotony, and pain of their condition. The loss of professional identity is a well-identified trigger of adult loneliness. Bereft of purpose and passion, they are more vulnerable to social isolation than anyone else. This means they desperately need a companion to make them feel seen, valued, and heard.

Poor diet and irregular meals

If you have eaten alone, you know it can sometimes be hard. For someone who is suffering from a life-altering condition, this can be a terrible feeling. Sometimes, this also leads to irregular eating habits and a poorly formed diet. The sweet joy of simply sharing a cup of hot tea with someone is unparalleled. A non-medical companion helps your loved one with cooking, setting the table, and providing them with companionship during meals. This will not only ensure well-timed meals for your loved one but will also make sure they don’t feel outcasted or devoid of support. 

Noticeable personality changes

Even the mildest variant of a cold or seasonal flu makes us irritable, frustrated, and leaves us completely drained. It's no wonder long-term illness has such severe effects on mental health and one’s social battery. Continuous medication, appointments, daily injections, uncomfortable tests, scans, and diet charts — this is what everyday life looks like for your chronically-ill spouse. If they feel left out, sad, or bored and barely have any social interactions, it is time for them to have a non-medical companion who will happily spend time with them. A leisurely stroll, a quick lunch at the cafe, and a chess game are small ways through which your loved one will regain their sense of contentment and joy. 

Unkempt state of living

Amongst the perils of old age, the most harrowing one is the constant lack of energy. If your grandmother always feels tired, she can’t clean dirty dishes, change the bedding, or do her laundry correctly. Unless you’re around to help, she feels unable to live in a clean and organized household. This further perpetuates her dependence on you and keeps her away from inviting company over. A non-medical companion will help your loved one with these small but important tasks so that they enjoy the benefits of an efficiently running household.
At Best Life Caregivers, we believe in the power of community and companionship. They are strong healing agents for stress, aging, and illness. Our awesome and highly reliable staff is on a mission to end adult loneliness. The joy of reliable company and genuine caregiving can change lives and help families. Reach out to us today, and we will make sure your loved one lives their best life.