Social Isolation in LTC Facilities Detrimental to Health and Well-Being - Take Action to Help Loved Ones Now

Human beings are social animals. Even the shy among us still needs interaction with others to maintain a healthy mind and body. The need for a human connection with other people does not end when we get older, including if we are living in a long-term health care facility.

The COVID-19 virus crisis has caused more isolation. High infection rates with staff and residents have forced more residents into isolation. This isolation is especially noticeable in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Many residents are lonely because they are not interacting with staff or family as they were before the pandemic.  

Staff shortages in some U.S. states and Canada have increased the isolation of residents, increasing health problems and higher levels of depression.

Tips to Avoid Loneliness

Victoria Atabakhsh is a Ph.D. Candidate in Aging, Health, and Well-Being/Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Waterloo. She recommends taking several steps to make sure your older family members living in a long-term care facility reduce loneliness. 

Here are a few of her suggestions:

• If your loved one does not have a device, drop off a smartphone, iPad, tablet, portable DVD player, iPod, etc., so your loved one can stay entertained and connected.
• Chat regularly on Facebook Messenger, Skype, text, or e-mail.
• Be sure the facility knows your loved ones' favorite TV shows, movies, and music so they can be entertained.

Read all her suggestions by clicking here.

In-Home Care Keeps People in Familiar Environment

It doesn't seem that the virus crisis is ending any time soon. Still, even if it does, the need to avoid loneliness and social isolation for older people, especially those needing long-term health care, is essential to overall health and well-being. 

Being at home is always ideal. In-home health care keeps a person in their environment. However, sometimes assisted living or a nursing home will be required. 

Long-term health care costs are rising rapidly and will continue to do so in the decades ahead. Higher labor costs and increasing demand for services will increase long-term care costs nationwide. Costs vary depending on where you live and the amount of services you require. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the costs where you love both today and in the future Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.

Be Prepared

Health insurance and Medicare (including supplements) will not pay for most of these costs. Medicaid will pay for long-term care but only if the care recipient has little or no income and assets. Long-Term Care Insurance will cover long-term care services, but it needs to be purchased well before you need care; most people do so in their 50s.

Take care of your older loved ones now and prepare for your future costs and burdens of aging before you retire.