Why is Loneliness so Harmful to the Elderly and those living with Dementia?

Two women, one younger and one older, smiling at each other in a brightly lit room. - Home Instead

The relationship between a diagnosis of dementia and loneliness is undeniable – there are a wealth of reasons why elderly people with dementia may become isolated as a result of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Society report that people with dementia are at a much higher risk of being socially isolated than other groups. Losing friends, being unable to leave the house as often and having difficulties in communicating are just three of the many reasons why this may be the case.

Feelings of loneliness can be damaging to both the mental and physical health of your loved one with dementia. Without social stimulation and interaction, elderly people with dementia become increasingly withdrawn, perhaps even leading to the deterioration of their disease. Many elderly people and those living with dementia need extra support to complete everyday tasks such as eating, drinking, dressing themselves and doing something that they enjoy each day. Without this kind of support, long-term loneliness can become a sad reality.

Public Health England highlight the importance of providing groups at risk of loneliness with, ‘a sense of belonging and identity’. This becomes even more important when we consider how dementia affects the brain and the knock-on effects this can have on your loved one’s personality and ability to communicate.

People living with Dementia need routine and time, so at Home Instead we aim to send the same Caregivers for each call which are a minimum of one hour. Our specially Dementia trained Caregivers have helped over 7,000 families continue keeping an elderly relative living independently in their own home. and bring social interaction, companionship and exciting activities back into their life. Helping to ensure that they never experience the harmful effects of loneliness in old age.

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