Shepherd's Centers �����������������������������������������������������

Are You Lonely?

by Mary Ann Buckley, LCSW-C, C-ASWCM

As a Care Manager and Social Worker with more than 30 years of experience, I have conducted a myriad of assessments and have asked many questions over the years. Yet, it wasn’t until I read John T. Cacioppo’s and William Patrick’s book Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection that I realized I needed to add this critical question to my assessments.

Are you lonely?

I decided to plunge into the topic of loneliness in older adults and was intrigued by studies both in the United States and in other countries. The research is clear that older adults are experiencing loneliness and the negative impact that it can have on their medical and mental health at pandemic proportions.

One study on loneliness found that time spent with a friend, neighbor or peer was more enjoyable than time spent with family. Sadly, the value of meaningful interpersonal connection is often minimized in our society. The consequence of loneliness is striking. Older adults who report being lonely are more likely to go into a nursing home, have more difficulties with the activities of daily living, and experience more rapid progression of Alzheimer’s. Undoubtedly, these studies on loneliness can assist us in creating solutions, programs, services and environments to alleviate loneliness in older adults. Inspired by the work of Cacioppo and Patrick along with these studies, I created a presentation on the topic: One Really is the Loneliest Number! The presentation covers three Social Work CEUs and focuses on how to identify, assess and alleviate the negative impacts of loneliness in older adults.

Loneliness is preventable. Prevention requires not only asking the question but also devising a plan to alleviate the loneliness.

As Care Managers, we are uniquely qualified to create care plans and solutions to reduce the impact of loneliness. These care plans are individualized to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each client.

As care managers, we work with our clients to begin the process of transforming a situation or circumstance that negatively impacts their life by helping to envision what life would be like by accomplishing a change. Imagine a life without loneliness.

Live Well with In-Home Care

Home Instead® offers personalized care services for those who choose to age happily at home.

Our Services include:

Home helper/Companionship: engagement, prepare meals, light housekeeping, medication reminders, shopping, appointments, activities, dementia care

Personal care services: transferring, ambulation, dressing, bathing, toileting, hospice home care

Transportation 4 hr+ package To-and-

From: dialysis, medical appointments/ treatments, outpatient surgery

FALLS CHURCH OFFICE Serving Falls Church, Arlington, Alexandria (703) 533-7368

Answered 7 days a week homeinstead.com/512

ANNANDALE OFFICE Serving South Fairfax County (703) 750-6644

Answered 7 days a week homeinstead.com/624

Choosing Home Care

Use these questions to interview providers:

How long has this provider been serving the community? How does this provider select and train its employees? Does it protect its workers with written personnel policies, benefits packages and malpractice insurance? Do they consult the patient’s physicians and family members? How does the agency follow up on and resolve problems? Does this provider include the patient and his or her family members in developing the plan of care? Does this provider supply literature explaining its services, eligibility requirements, fees and funding sources? Many providers furnish patients with a detailed “Bill of Rights” that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the providers, patients and caregivers. Are nurses or therapists required to evaluate the patient’s home care needs? If so, what does this entail? Are patients involved in making care plan changes? Is the patient’s course of treatment documented, detailing the specific tasks to be carried out by each professional caregiver? Does this provider take time to educate family members on the care being administered to the patient? Does this provider assign supervisors to oversee the quality of care patients are receiving in their homes? If so, how often do these individuals make visits? Who can the patient and his or her family members call with questions or complaints? What are the financial procedures of this provider? Does the provider furnish written statements explaining all of the costs and payment plan options associated with home care?

“Like Having A Son or Daughter On-Demand” One Hour Minimum No Contracts Fully Vetted, Bonded, and Insured

Light Household Assistance Errands and Accompanied Transportation Check-ins and Companionship

301.960.5500 | naborforce.com

Experienced Senior Care You Can Depend On

When it comes to caring for seniors, look no further than SenCura. We understand the importance of keeping loved ones at home for as long as possible. Providing personal, reliable care allows us to tailor to your specific needs. Our compassionate caregivers provide seniors with services from one hour a day on up to 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Families are given peace of mind, knowing they’re receiving care from dedicated and passionate caregivers. • Companionship • Chores/Meal Preparation • Transportation • Home Monitoring • Medication Service • Personal Hygiene

Contact us today (703) 880-2547