Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, we have well and truly entered the holiday season. But for all the merriment this time of year brings, it can also be a very lonely time, particularly for older adults who live far away from their loved ones. There are many services put in place to try to provide a sense of warmth and togetherness for this population, including Meals on Wheels programs and general community outreach initiatives.
Many senior living communities also host events that may have to supplement or even take the place of family festivities. Yet despite these efforts, all too many older adults spend the holidays alone, and given the risks linked to social isolation, this is not a reality that care managers and the American public at large should accept.
This issue has persisted for decades, and with a growing elderly population combined with increasingly mobile citizens, the number of older adults who aren't able to be with loved ones during this time is steadily mounting. In addition to coordinating events like the annual Secret Santa gift drive orchestrated by the Senior Secret Service charity in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, care managers now have access to tools that can make the holidays a much more merry time for their care recipients.
If your care recipients have family and friends who are too geographically distant to visit over the holidays, telecare tools like video chat can allow them to take part in festivities that are a state or even a continent away. Independa's suite of eldercare services provide a powerful solution to this age-old problem, allowing users to connect instantly and easily with family and friends through video, email, Facebook and more. Contact us through our online form to learn more about keeping your care recipients connected this holiday season.
