Benefits of Social Connections
Did you know that staying socially active can benefit your brain function? Research indicates that those who interact regularly with others can help prevent cognitive decline and boost mental acuity. In fact, socializing seems to provide a level of protection against developing Alzheimer's disease. But what about those people who already have Alzheimer's? It’s especially important for them to socialize and be around family and friends, even in the later stages of the disease.
Alzheimer's and Isolation
Often, people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia suffer from feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Unfortunately, being socially isolated can lead to faster cognitive decline, as well as worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety. For those with dementia, being separated from family and friends can lead to a worsening of symptoms connected to their condition, like wandering, aggression, and hallucinations.
How to Stay Connected
Generally, people can stay socially active by working, participating in volunteer work, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and engaging in hobbies. Staying involved with life and open to new experiences helps reduce stress, improving a person’s mood and strengthening relationships. But what about people with Alzheimer's or dementia? Many of the social activities that we take for granted are not practical for those experiencing this kind of cognitive dysfunction, but there are plenty of ways to keep them socially active. Group activities and music therapy are wonderful ways to connect with others, and they’ve been shown to improve agitation in people with dementia. Staying involved with activities they enjoy can be beneficial, and as dementia advances, these activities can be modified to adapt to their changing cognition. For people caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's, there are several ways to support their social connectivity.
- Help them find new activities to keep them engaged. Sometimes, people experiencing Alzheimer's can benefit from connecting with others in the same situation. The Alzheimer’s Association message board is a great resource, not only for those with Alzheimer's, but also for their caregivers. Look for groups and other opportunities to stay socially active.
- Encourage them to communicate with friends and loved ones. It’s easy for people to drift away from someone with Alzheimer's, either because of a misunderstanding of the disease or because they don’t know how to interact with someone whose mental acuity is changing. People with Alzheimer's should be encouraged to talk to people they care about, explaining which activities they’re comfortable doing, and asking for help when they need it.
- Promote physical activity as well as social activity. Remaining physically active can help improve a person’s health, keeping the heart healthy, strengthening the bones, and promoting flexibility. This can help with sleep, as well as reducing the risk of falls and illness. Exercising with others, whether that means joining an exercise class or simply taking a walk with a friend, can promote social connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Facilitate connection. Set up visits with friends, children, grandchildren, and other important people, preferably weekly. Use technology to your loved one’s benefit, using video calling and other technologies to connect with important people who may not live near enough to visit in person.
- When you’re not there, make sure someone is. A person with Alzheimer's can benefit from in-home caregiving, whether it’s skilled medical care or simply companionship. Having someone with whom to converse and do simple tasks can be beneficial to brain function.
BrightStar Care® Can Help You Find Care
At BrightStar Care of Greenville, we offer a wide range of home care and medical staffing services, providing the right support to fit each client’s unique needs. Because we understand that memory care needs are different for different people, we provide personalized in-home care and support. With our variety of high-quality, compassionate care and our unparalleled support for our local healthcare system, we give more, not just to the people we serve but also to our community. We strive to make our clients’ lives the best they can possibly be while making the Greenville community stronger than ever. From our nurses and caregivers to our office team and staff, everyone on the BrightStar Care of Greenville team cares deeply about providing the kind of high-quality care and support that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. For more information about our care and services, call 252.275.6775 or contact us through our website.