It’s a known fact: humans are social animals. Studies have shown that married men have a lower mortality rate than their single counterparts. While this could be due to the fact that men, on their own, typically don’t seek medical help until they’re sick, there’s also a social component to human health that operates on the emotional level, whether male or female.
In times of need, seeking out a friendly ear to bend with our troubles can help alleviate the stressful symptoms that accompany crises, such as rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and sleep disturbances. And having someone there to be a sounding board, when things go wrong or the thinking process is overwhelmed, can give you a more optimistic view of things or just a better coping strategy in general.
The nursing industry began in response to this need for caregivers in the home environment, particularly for the very old and the very young who were not appropriate in a hospital setting but needed outside assistance. This continues to this day: when patients are discharged from the hospital but can’t get by on their own, family members or friends are called upon for assistance. As a home health care agency, we often receive calls from discharge planners on Friday afternoon asking for a caregiver in lieu of friends or family in the area, who are either unavailable or just aren’t there. So companionship becomes more of a safety issue at this point, but the presence of a caregiver can provide the positive emotional support for the patient’s ultimate well-being and best outcome.
Even the most extroverted people need some “alone time” to get away from the distractions of everyday life, and some individuals just aren’t “people persons” and would prefer a good book to a good conversation. Indeed, surrounding yourself with dramatic types may cause your blood pressure to rise and bring to mind Will Rogers’ admonition: “Never miss a chance to shut up.” Alternatively, pets can bring that sense of bonding that people crave; as Mark Twain noted, “The more I know about people, the better I like my dog.” However, pets aren’t very good at making dinner, reminding you to take your medication or driving you to a doctor’s appointment. That’s when you need a social support system.
