Recent studies show that approximately 60 percent of seniors 65 years and older live alone, or are in care facilities. Senior adults can feel lonely, especially around the holidays. Others may not have any close family; others might have friends and family too far away.
An hourly check-in phone service is available to friends and family of senior adults who live alone. Free service offered by the Always in Touch program Always Best CareSenior Services is for elderly or disabled adults who are at home, alone, lonely, or need to be contacted daily. According to Always Best care, it can be temporary for people recovering from illness or surgery or more permanent.
Here’s how it works. Always in Touch representative call every day, and the phone will ring up to fifteen times. They will call back 15 minutes later if no one answers. If no one answers, the representative will attempt to reach the emergency contact for the individual.
“This unique program allows us to give back to our communities in a very meaningful way,”Michael Newman is the founder and chief executive officer of Always Best Care.
Family members and friends who live close to elderly relatives can also help with holiday loneliness. They can open and read holiday cards, arrange for visits from representatives of local churches, decorate the home or organize a party at senior facilities.
If left untreated, loneliness can lead to depression. Depression in seniors can manifest as a loss of appetite, a loss of interest or enthusiasm for socializing, and trouble sleeping. It is important to make older adults feel loved, cared for, and connected by regular phone calls, even if they are far away.
Always in Touch does not replace professional medical advice. The company reminds caregivers and individuals to immediately call 911 or a personal doctor if they need help. Contact Always Best Care at 855-710-2255 if you would like to sign up for the Always In Touch program. For more information on Always Best Care services, please visit www.always-in-touch.com.
