What’s Going on with Your Senior’s Social Life?
If you haven’t been keeping tabs on your aging family member’s social life, things might have changed since the last time you really checked in. Her social life can tell you a little bit about how she’s doing overall, though, so it’s a good idea to take a closer look.
Home Health Care in Zionsville IN: Senior Social Life
Check for Signs of Isolation
Your elderly family member may spend a good bit of her time alone, but that doesn’t mean she enjoys it. Isolation can be dangerous for her and she might not realize that she’s doing it. Try to pay attention to her social activities and whether she’s mentioning friends or acquaintances. If she’s open to questions, openly ask her if she’s getting enough quality time with other people or not. It doesn’t hurt to ask questions in a loving manner.
Depression Is a Huge Factor in Terms of Socializing
If your senior is feeling depressed, that can be a massive factor in her reluctance to socialize more than she currently is. Depression in the elderly can come about as a result of so many different factors, including her health. Talk to your elderly family member’s doctor if you are concerned that she might be depressed. There are things that you can do that can help her to manage depression so that it doesn’t take over her life.
You Might Be Able to Help
There are also practical aspects that can factor into your elderly family member’s reluctance to socialize more. If she doesn’t drive any longer, that can create situations where she’s nervous about trying to stay involved with friends. Truly, though, you can’t help her if you don’t know what’s going on. Try talking to her about what she’s experiencing so you can get to the bottom of the issue.
Don’t Force the Issue
Something you need to remember, though, is that she may not want to share a lot about what’s going on. This can be a situation that’s embarrassing for her or that she just doesn’t want to talk about. If you push too hard, she might clam up and you’ll have a really difficult time getting anything else out of her. So remember to keep everything loving and supportive.
No matter what your senior’s feelings are regarding her social life, having elder care providers around can make a difference for her. They can handle transportation concerns, offer companionship, and generally let you know if they’re seeing anything that might be a red flag.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Home Health Care in Zionsville, IN, please call the caring staff at Home Services Unlimited. Serving Greater Indianapolis Area. Call for Immediate Info & Assistance: (317) 471-0760
As a practicing Registered Nurse, Etelka was keenly aware of a void in quality patient care that could be provided in the home. She embarked upon a journey to develop a home health care agency that would exceed all expectations and become a trusted partner to physicians and patients.
A Distinguished Career From Nurse to Director of Nursing to President of Home Services Unlimited
Etelka’s distinguished career followed a logical progression to her position as President of Home Services Unlimited. She graduated as a nurse practitioner with a Bachelor of Nursing (RN) in 1972 from Meshgorya University in the Ukraine, close to where she lived with her family. She married her husband Phil in 1973 and decided in 1977 that they would relocate to the United States to be closer to family and to come to this land of opportunity. With an eagerness to continue her budding career, Etelka sat for and passed her Boards in the U.S. in 1979.
A Love and Talent for Working with the Elderly
Etelka began her nursing career in the U.S. at Colonial Crest, now part of Golden Living, where she was the In-service Coordinator, the Director of Training and Education and Director of Nursing, a position she occupied for several years.
With a group of partners, she co-founded Adept Corporation, which operated group homes for the mentally challenged. The business was successful and in 1996, Etelka sold her share to return to her roots, caring for the elderly.
In January of 1997, Etelka opened Home Services Unlimited as a fully licensed business to provide home health care. In her quest to learn to do better for her patients, she had already obtained a Masters in Healthcare Administration (MHA) in May of 1990 from the College of St. Francis. As President of Home Services Unlimited, Inc., Etelka guides the trusted, experienced care model Home Services Unlimited uses to continue providing excellent home health care.
Giving Back to the Community of Indianapolis
Volunteering for community services is a high priority for Etelka. Her memberships include the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, Executive Women in Health Care and the Indiana Association for Home and Hospice Care, where she is a member of the Board of Directors.
Etelka has also served on the Board of Directors with Hooverwood Home, a highly regarded geriatric facility, since 1997 and as the President for 2005-2006. Through her community work, she has received several awards and accolades, including the Nora McFarland award in 2002, from the Indiana Association of Home and Hospice Care.
- Home Care Differences Between Grooming and Hygiene - April 24, 2023
- 4 Senior Home Care Tips to Get Out of a Food Rut - April 13, 2023
- Elder Care Tips For Managing Senior Stress - March 21, 2023