Is Your Senior Maintaining a Strong Support Network?
One of the best ways that Rhode Island seniors can fend off stress, is to maintain a strong support network of close friends and family who they can go to when they feel stressed, or when they just need to relax and kick back. But maintaining a strong support network takes work too. Take the following test to determine if your senior is maintaining a strong support network, and if it’s serving its ultimate purpose of reducing stress and providing support.
• His/her support network provides a sense of belonging which reduces loneliness and stress
• His/her support network provides a sense of self-worth
• His/her support network provides security, because the individuals look out for the senior’s well-being
• There is regular communication with all friends and family members in the senior’s support network
• No member of the support network causes him/her additional, unneeded stress
• He/she tells the support network how much they’re appreciated, and these feelings and gestures are reciprocated
• Mutual support is provided by everyone in the support network; he/she expects support from friends and family, but provides the same courtesy by listening and providing support
Sources: www.sccgov.org
1. Mayo Clinic
2. The American Institute of Stress
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
