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Wellness Check Calls are More Than Just a Phone Call
Providing a senior wellness check call can be a lifeline for this aged population. Many seniors live alone or with another elderly companion who may also need assistance. Some may have memory issues that interfere with important daily activities such as taking medication, following up with doctor visits, or eating properly. Others might lack a consistent support network to keep them accountable for their health and wellness care. UDS recognizes that a wellness check phone call is a form of direct communication to ensure that senior individuals are okay and, if not, can get the help they need.
5 Reasons to Schedule a Wellness Call
Having an elderly wellness check via phone call can positively influence the physical, mental, social, and emotional health of seniors. Below are some highlights of 5 reasons to schedule a wellness call:
1. Monitor Physical Health
Seniors can suffer from health emergencies that, if not discovered immediately or monitored regularly, can be life-threatening. An elderly individual with osteoporosis can suffer broken bones, someone with heart issues is prone to strokes and heart attacks, a senior forgetting to take their insulin is in jeopardy of diabetic shock. Regular check-ins on physical health can provide emergency care if a person has fallen or is unresponsive and needs medical attention. Wellness calls can also be used to monitor individuals who require medicine to reduce the risk of life-threatening conditions.
2. Address Mental Health Concerns
Seniors may experience a variety of mental health concerns. Many of these arise from brain deterioration that can develop into dementia, cognitive confusion, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, and others. Having a voice of emotional support via a wellness call can provide a level of comfort to these individuals. In addition, regular check-ins can allow for monitoring of any noticeable changes that might need more direct or immediate intervention and support.
3. Promote Social Connection
It can be a very isolating experience for seniors who have lost the independence of going places or meeting with others. Individuals can benefit greatly when engaging in regular communication with someone. Social interaction improves cognitive function, mental stimulation, and memory retention. Having social relationships allow individuals to feel a sense of community and build a support network. A wellness call lets that person know someone is there for them and may alleviate feelings of loneliness. Regular check-in calls offer a link to social connection for those living a solitary life.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits
It’s common for seniors to develop unhealthy eating habits or become more sedentary. As individuals are more inactive, they may gain weight, creating more health concerns. Aches and pains, difficulty moving, and changes in body rhythms can become chronically uncomfortable, making it a challenge to maintain a consistent exercise routine. Many seniors may not even know the right type of exercise and/or what diet is appropriate for them. Elderly wellness call experts can be an invaluable resource to provide guidance, support, and motivation for seniors needing individualized eating and exercise programs. Having an experienced diet and exercise ‘coach’ calling for regular check-ins can inspire success by holding individuals accountable as they improve their healthy diet and exercise habits.
5. Increase Independence
When individuals age, they can become increasingly dependent on others. Limited mobility, inability to drive, and difficulty performing daily activities, are just some of the frustrations that seniors experience. Discovering ways to navigate a path to a higher level of independence can be empowering to those who feel that they are ‘stuck’. Receiving advice from a knowledgeable senior wellness call expert on alternative methods to promote one’s independence can be liberating. Having a supportive connection that is customized to one’s specific needs can return that feeling of self-reliance and independence.
How do Wellness Calls Work?
When scheduling a wellness call, consider the following: Does the person need a brief check-in call to ensure that they are okay, and can perform their daily routines such as taking correct medicine, are eating properly, and generally assessing how they’re feeling? Or, do they need a longer one to address the items in the check-in call with a more in-depth conversation to encourage social engagement and interaction? Whichever option is chosen, family members or caregivers scheduling a wellness call will be given a report of the conversation to be apprised of what was discussed.
Scheduling regular wellness calls with an individual is an important part of the process to establish a friendly rapport, a foundation of trust, and develop a routine that is consistent.
Wellness Calls: Keeping You Connected
UDS is excited to offer Wellness Calls for seniors. Our experienced consultants can provide you with information about the different plans. Visit today to find out more.
While UDS primarily services counties surrounding the South-Central Pennsylvania area, Wellness Calls are conducted remotely and are available to people located throughout the USA.