When you’re lonely your world get smaller. Loneliness can have a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of older people, especially at this time of year.
Anybody can feel lonely, but the changes that come with older age can put older people at particular risk. They may live by themselves or be unable to continue with activities they previously enjoyed.
Reasons for loneliness can include:
- losing a loved one
- moving away from friends and family
- losing the social contact and enjoyment they used to get from work
- experiencing health problems that make it difficult for them to go out and do the things they enjoy
A recent Trusted Care survey highlighted how widespread the problem is. It included 39 studies from 29 countries and found that, on average, one in four adults over 60 reports feeling lonely. For those aged more than 75, the figure is almost one in three (31%).
According to Age UK can be extremely difficult for people to speak up and say that they are feeling lonely and it can be even more difficult to ask other people for help. Dignity and independence are important for a lot of us, but often these things can feel even more vital as we age. There are some clues that could indicate a person is feeling lonely, these include someone:
- having a significant change in their routine (e.g. getting up a lot later)
- neglecting their appearance or personal hygiene
- not eating properly
- putting themselves down
- not being themselves
Live-in care allows people to remain in the comfort and security of their own home but also to maintain an active social life and a presence in their local community. A live-in carer is always on hand to assist with care and domestic duties but they are also discreet and always respectful of a person’s wish to have privacy or to be left undisturbed. For families and friends, live-in care provides sound peace of mind that their loved one is enjoying the highest level of care and the best possible quality of life.
- Stay in your own home
- Maintain your hobbies, interests and routines
- Care is as flexible as your needs require
- Companionship, whether it’s days out or time spent indoors
- Total peace of mind for family and friends
- Friendship, the relationship between client and live-in carer often goes way beyond the professional
