Loneliness is not only for characters in our tragedies. As your parents retire, or your siblings start leaving the state, you might notice it in them too. We can feel powerless to help, but there are things we can do to make it easier.
When you’re together
Sometimes you are nearby, but that doesn’t feel like enough.
Work to find ways to bring them into your daily life. A new hobby or a new meal can all become opportunities. You never know exactly how they might want to be a part of your life. Here are some ideas to try:
- Take a class together
- Host a coffee get-together with their friends
- Take them on trips on the weekends
- Ask them what they want to do
When you’re apart
Most of us live apart from our parents. Sometimes it’s a city away, sometimes it’s states away.
The web has enabled us to do so much more than before. You can remotely find places for them to try or see each other despite the distance. But the ‘old ways’ have merit too— even snail mail. Consider giving one of these a try:
- Look into your local senior center together
- Create a mini book club
- Do a video call
- Write letters
When you can’t help
Not enough time or facing your own struggles? No matter how much we want, we can’t always be there.
These things aren’t always easy. Or possible. Remember that you aren’t alone. If you don’t have support now, you can always make it. Reach out to local friends, or support them physically with food or additional help.
- Reach out to their spiritual center
- Send a text when you can (How about right now?)
- Deliver them a meal via the web
- Get in touch with help
…but how do I get help?
For more general resources and services in Texas: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/aging.
For caregiving and more complex seniors, visit the resources from MemoryCare.com at https://assets.ctfassets.net/61iwodu7d9u0/1Z9MfsZlaRUfYwnyJx9gOB/6bbe040e3d2695fd24814bb6a13e0e8f/MC-3397984-state-resource-pages–texas.pdf.
For those who are simply lonely, CaringConnections is an option too. Learn more at caringconnections.us.
Loneliness is real. And it has real impacts. But your parents’ loneliness is not a problem you have to solve alone. CaringConnections is here when you need help.