Steps You Can Take to Make Sure Seniors Don’t Feel Alone

For seniors that lack mobility, it can be rather lonely. Not being able to just get up and go when you feel that desire to get outdoors, go socialize, and run errands can be frustrating and even depressing. This is why it’s so important for loved ones and friends to take steps to make sure the seniors in their life don’t feel alone.

So what can you do? You may be surprised at just how many things you can do that don’t require a whole lot of time of your part, yet will make a huge difference in that senior’s life.

Give Them Something to Look After

Here’s an interesting trend that is building in popularity, and that’s to give seniors a chicken coop. While it may sound funny when you first hear about it, the more you learn the more it makes sense. By giving them a chicken coop you are giving them responsibility, something to do, and something to care for. Sure their kids may have all left the nest at this point, but that doesn’t mean they want to give up caring for something.

Chickens are relatively easy to care for. Seniors can collect the eggs and take joy in using them for baking and cooking. They can also start to build a bond with the chickens.

If chickens aren’t something they are into, they may want to consider a cat or a small bird.

Arrange Transportation on a Regular Basis

If the senior you know is unable to drive themselves around, then it helps to arrange transportation for them on a regular basis. Maybe this means you pop by once a week to drive them around, or you can look into hiring a service that specializes in transported seniors to appointments, errands, etc.

Reach Out to the Them

Another tip is to reach out to that senior on a regular basis, whether that means dropping by for a short visit or giving them a call on the phone. Make sure you’re doing this on a regular basis, such as once a week, so they don’t have to go long without contact. Remember to make it about quality of time rather than quantity. A 15 minute phone call where you give them 100% of your attention will mean a lot more than dropping by for an hour and being distracted with your phone the whole time.

A Monthly Surprise in the Mail

Who doesn’t love getting mail from a friend or loved one? So why not set up a monthly subscription box service for that senior in your life. There are all kinds of companies that offer these subscription boxes now, you can even find themed ones, such as those on offer at auster.com.

Each month a new subscription box will arrive packed with goodies and treats for them to enjoy. This is especially ideal if you don’t live nearby and can’t just pop in to visit on a regular basis.

Smalls Gestures that Make a Big Difference

It’s all about making those small gestures that make a big difference in a senior’s life, helping them to feel included, loved, and appreciated.

Photo by Patrick Doheny