At
one time or another, everyone has reason to feel isolated within their surroundings.
Sometimes, people purposely isolate themselves to get the quiet time they need
to focus and concentrate. Other times it is circumstance, such as being the
caregiver for a loved-one, that causes isolation.
People
who seek isolation usually do not feel lonely. However, involuntary isolation
can make people feel entrapped and very, very lonely.
Feelings
of loneliness can occur with or without the presence of other people. Parties
and other social events can be lonely if the need for interaction and inclusion is not met. At the most basic level, loneliness is
missing cues that remind us of who we are.
There are many things caregivers can
do to lessen their feelings of isolation and loneliness. First, self reflection. Frequently, the family caregiver, believing he
or she is the only one who can give their loved-one the proper care, seems unable
to accept offers of help from family members, friends, community or faith-based
organizations.
When help is accepted, regularly scheduled getaways, hours or days long, can give caregivers the
respite they need to relax, reconnect with friends, or to participate in a
favorite activity.
People
living with Dementia also experience isolation and loneliness. Friends and family
may disappear, and with their disappearance, there are even fewer opportunities
for socializing. Eventually, as the condition progresses, isolation and
loneliness become inevitable.
For those in early
stages of dementia, living life to its fullness - saying yes to life more than no - can help them cope with the
emotions that come with their diagnosis. Join your loved-one on their “I’ve always
wanted to visit or do" lists. Do silly things together, and encourage
activities that preserve family history.
It
is equally important to give your loved-one the pleasure and challenge of arranging
activities and extending invitations to family and friends. Doing so becomes a declaration
of “I am still here.”
With symptom progression,
efforts to reduce isolation and feelings of loneliness require help from family,
friends, and professional caregivers. Visits to their home or assisted
living community or conversations by phone or video can help your loved-one
recall the roles he or she played within the extended family and
community.
Other ways include encouraging your loved-one to leave the confines
of their room and spend time where people congregate in common-use areas.
Interactions with babies, children, pets and therapy animals may also reduce
feeling of lonesomeness.
Finally, opportunities
for self-expression can help people living with Dementia to feel less isolated and
alone. There are many simple ways that range from arts, crafts, and music activities
to writing poetry and visiting a near-by nature preserve, to connect people who
have Dementia to their authentic or most essential self.
Content Contributor: Janet Yagoda Shagam, PhD, is a freelance medical and science writer and the author of "An Unintended Journey: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia." Available through Amazon. (Modified by K. Ogden, team member Dementia Society of America)
The opinions expressed by contributing authors are not necessarily the opinions of the Dementia Society, Inc. We do not endorse nor guarantee products, comments, suggestions, links, or other forms of content contained within blog posts that have been provided to us with permission, or otherwise. Dementia Society does not provide medical advice. Please consult your doctor. www.DementiaSociety.org
