As a caregiver, you may be responsible for planning and preparing social outings and appointments. Depending on a person’s level of frailty, you may be one of the only people they socialize with.
The Social Engagement Chapter explores the following topics:
- How to manage social outing and appointments.
- Risk factors for social isolation.
- Questions to ask the person you care for about their social interactions.
- When to seek immediate help for the person you care for.
- Common signs and symptoms of depression.
- How to support healthy social engagement.
- Myths about social engagement.
- Tips to talk with a health care provider about social engagement.
- Where to find additional support for yourself or the person you care for.
Common Terms
Throughout the Social Engagement Chapter, we’ll explore the following terms:
| Social Engagement | When a person is involved in meaningful activities with others and is maintaining close, fulfilling relationships. |
| Social Isolation | When a person has very rare contact with others. |
| Loneliness | A feeling that results from wanting to be connected to other people but those people and connections are not there. |
| Depression | The result of feeling sad on a daily basis for two weeks or more. Depression causes a person to feel helpless, hopeless, and perhaps like a burden to others. |
Next Steps
- Download the Caregiving Strategies Handbook for reference to all chapters in one location.
- If you want to learn more Caregiving Strategies, register for the online course. This course allows you to work through these topics at your own pace alongside other caregivers.
- Sign up below if you would like to receive updates from PGLO about resources for caregivers and or upcoming online course offerings.