Combatting Loneliness and Social Isolation
Loneliness and social isolation effects thousands of older adults across the U.K. Here's how Home Instead Sutton are working to combat this pandemic
“Hundreds of thousands of elderly people are lonely and cut off from society in this country, especially those over the age of 75,” reports Age UK.
The numbers are striking: over 2 million older people in England live alone, and more than a million go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member.
The NHS highlights how loneliness and social isolation can lead to depression, a decline in physical health, and an overall reduction in quality of life. It’s a hidden crisis that affects so many older adults, yet with the right support and initiatives, it can be addressed.
When families come to us for care support for a loved one, loneliness if often a huge concern. Their loved one may not be able to drive anymore, they may have had a fall when they have been out, which has knocked their confidence, or perhaps a bereavement. The British Journal of Community Nursing note that ‘the chance of being lonely, (is) not simply the factor of age. Loneliness is said to occur because of a loss of significant relationships and the lack of opportunity to engage with others.’
At Home Instead Sutton, we know that loneliness can be address by:
- Avoiding undermining a client’s skills- allowing them to do things for themselves
- Having an expert awareness of dementia. We understand that if someone is quiet for example, it may be because they cannot find the words, not because they do not want company.
Part of what we champion at Home Instead Sutton is maintaining our client’s independence and supporting where we need to. We find through our companionship care visits, the confidence and morale of our client’s is boosted and it results in strong client and Care Professional relationships.
To keep our client’s engaged in their communities and to maintain a life out of the home, all of our Care professionals has a full clean driver’s licence and insurance to drive their client’s to activities and events of their choosing. This might be to a GP appointment, but equally, it could be to a local café, or somewhere new, like the Merton Memory Hub, run by the Alzheimer’s Society. This fantastic resource provides advice, training, and a variety of dementia-friendly group activities. The hub’s skilled staff create a warm, welcoming environment where older adults can socialize and engage in meaningful activities.
At Home Instead Sutton, we’re dedicated to making every visit a chance to bring companionship and joy into our clients’ lives. Whether it’s sharing a meal, enjoying a good conversation, or engaging in hobbies and activities that matter most to them—like puzzles, crafts, or art—we tailor our time together to suit their interests.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your loved ones feel connected, comfortable, and cared for, please reach out to us. Together, we can combat loneliness and enhance the quality of life. Get in touch today to start the conversation. We’re here to help.
