{"id":5523,"date":"2022-05-11T21:32:56","date_gmt":"2022-05-11T21:32:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/peterborough\/?p=5523"},"modified":"2022-07-01T16:52:36","modified_gmt":"2022-07-01T16:52:36","slug":"companionship-care-for-seniors-a-solution-for-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comfortkeepers.ca\/peterborough\/blog\/companionship-care-for-seniors-a-solution-for-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"Companionship Care For Seniors: A Simple Solution To The Symptoms Of Loneliness and Isolation Caused By The Covid-19 Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Pandemic Has Highlighted The Need For Senior Companionship Care<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on us all. Senior adults are no exception. A vulnerable group to begin with, seniors face physical, mental and emotional challenges as a result of the pandemic. Older adults are among the highest at risk<\/a> for contracting and succumbing to Covid-19. Their mental, emotional and cognitive health have also been negatively affected because of the loneliness and isolation that result from quarantine measures. The importance of companionship care for seniors has never been more clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Covid-19 Disproportionately Affects Seniors.
<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The risk of Covid-19 to older adults continues to be very real. As people age, their immune systems are less robust. People over 60 are more likely to be living with conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. So their \u201csusceptibility to the virus<\/a>\u201d is higher than other, younger people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The World Health Organization data from April 2020 shows that more than 95% of COVID-19 deaths were among people over 60 years of age, and more than half of all deaths occurred in people of 80 years and above. – Seniors First BC <\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fear Of Covid-19 And Seniors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Because seniors are more at risk from Covid-19, many have been living in fear since the beginning of the pandemic. Sadly, anxiety, restlessness, loneliness and even cognitive decline have been a common part of the senior experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staying Out Of Harms Way Came At A Cost For Many Elderly Adults.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While quarantine measures were necessary to keep our loved ones safe, they took a toll on senior mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before the arrival of Covid-19, a senior\u2019s mental health was already at risk. According to a report published by the National Seniors Council<\/a> in 2013 \u201c1 in 4 seniors lives with a mental health problem (e.g. depression, anxiety or dementia) or illness, and 10 to 15% of adults 65 years or older and living in the community suffer from depression.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the onset of the pandemic, that risk has grown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seniors have struggled to maintain family and social connections. Avoiding the virus has limited time spent in-person with friends and loved ones. This, in turn, has made it harder for seniors to build and keep a sense of community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For some, isolation, stress and loneliness have led to depression<\/a> and other mental health problems. In fact, a national team of researchers<\/a> found that \u201colder adults had twice the odds of depressive symptoms during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, with those who were already marginalized or socially isolated faring far worse.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Graphic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Importance Of Human Connection And Companionship<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Connection and community are vital to the health and happiness of seniors. The realities of the pandemic have made this even more clear. For many seniors, these past two years have been a lonely and even isolating time of life<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The loss of friendship, family support and community belonging has been one of the hardest burdens to bear during the pandemic. And, as we\u2019ve seen, it has taken a toll on the mental health of our elderly. Not only does a lack of companionship increase a senior\u2019s risk for depression and loneliness, studies<\/a> have shown it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n