A generation is emerging, the Kinless Senior. They are individuals who are over the age of 65 and do not have any close family members or friends to provide them with support. This is not a new generation, but instead, a growing generation. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were approximately 5.4 million seniors living alone in the United States in 2018.
The Kinless Senior is more likely to experience loneliness, depression, and other mental health issues due to their lack of social support. They often find themselves struggling to keep up with the ever-changing world around them. Technology, in particular, can be a source of frustration and confusion for many seniors. Unfortunately, this can lead to a feeling of being left behind and disconnected from the world.
However, it is important to remember that seniors are not “mindless” and that they can still be active and engaged in their communities. If you are caring for or know of a kinless senior, it may be difficult to best provide the support they need. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your senior is well taken care of.
1. Make sure they have access to medical care. Seniors without kin may not have access to the same level of medical care as those with children. Make sure they have access to a doctor, and that they are up to date on their vaccinations and screenings.
2. Provide emotional support. Seniors without kin may feel isolated and lonely. Make sure to check in with them regularly and provide emotional support. This could include listening to their stories, helping them with activities, or just spending time with them.
3. Help with daily tasks. Seniors without kin may need help with daily tasks such as grocery shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Offer to help with these tasks or hire someone to do it for them.
4. Make sure they have a social life. Seniors without kin may not have a lot of social interaction. Make sure they have access to activities and events that they can attend. This could include joining a senior center, attending church, or joining a book club.
5. Provide financial assistance. Seniors without kin may need help with their finances. Offer to help them with budgeting or provide financial assistance if needed.
6. Download the Call-Light app (launching 2023) to find and hire trusted nurses and clinicians to provide on-demand medical care anytime, anywhere.
Call-Light, an app where ‘nurses meet patients and patients meet nurses’, is designed to assist all walks of life including Kinless Seniors who need help in a variety of ways. A place to meet trusted and vetted nurses who will provide physical and emotional support, assist with activities of daily living, and provide companionship. Call-Light nurses also help seniors access resources and services, such as medical care, housing, and transportation. Call-Light also helps seniors stay connected to their community and maintain their independence with the help of a trusted nurse or clinician.
The rewards of caring for elderly people include feeling a sense of purpose, developing a deeper appreciation for life, and gaining a greater understanding of the aging process. Additionally, providing care for elderly people helps build relationships and foster a sense of community. If you are a nurse or clinician and searching for a rewarding career where you can practice on your own terms… Register here for the 2023 launch. The future is in your hands.