Helen is lonely.

 

Since Dad’s death last year, my mother, whose name is Helen, has lost weight, had a couple of falls and stays at home a lot more. I worry about her being alone in the house and admire that she is determined to stay put and keep her independence. Her balance is good, but she has been reluctant to go out for a walk, not even to the local food store, which has been such a source of neighbourhood news and chitchat.

Helen needs an OT.

ISOLATION and LONELINESS can lead to losing a sense of connection and belonging to the community. Statistics Canada estimates 525,000 people over the age of 65 feel isolated1. Isolation may be caused by the desire to avoid feeling insecure in social settings and experiencing loneliness can lead to feelings of mistrust. Arthritis, poor hearing or glaucoma can cause seniors to avoid everyday interactions like walking or travelling. Helping seniors become more confident when they leave the house can help break social isolation and loneliness.

The occupational therapist helped Helen to:

  • Find a local seniors’ activity centre that allows her to keep socially active and connect with other people with similar interests

  • Map short walking routes that pass by the homes of friendly neighbours or lead to the local shops.

  • Develop strategies to increase her confidence running errands. Use a checklist that reminds her to take her glasses, wallet, keys, water and shopping bags. And a mask as needed.

  • Choose tools to support her when she goes grocery shopping. Select a sturdy ‘bundle buggy’ with an adjustable handle, one with a grip that’s easy even when wearing gloves. One with two wheels that tilt at an angle for sidewalk walking but has a stand for stability when standing in the line at the checkout.

  • Develop her endurance walking. Start with a short walk around the block and gradually increase the distance based on her comfort level. Learn strategies such as breathing in rhythm with walking, planning a route that has benches for breaks along the way and taking a water bottle, especially in warm weather.


Because of occupational therapy, Mom goes out for groceries!

1 Gilmour, H., & Ramage-Morin, P. L. (2020). Social isolation and mortality among Canadian seniors. Health Reports, 31(3), 27-38.


The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) provides a searchable national directory of occupational therapists for all Canadians to find the occupational therapy services they need.

Occupational therapy. Making the everyday possible.