The Christmas period is a time for family and friends to join together and celebrate. However, it can also be an extremely difficult time of year for those who are already struggling with day to day loneliness. Over 1 million elderly people in the UK say that they can go over a month without talking to family, friends, or even neighbours. At this time of year more than any other, the small acts of kindness that you can put out into the world may brighten someone’s entire season.
What Causes Elderly Loneliness?
Older people are especially vulnerable to social isolation. This might happen due to the death or hospitalisation of a loved one, family relocation, illness, accessibility issues or other changes in circumstance. With improvements in technology meaning that a quick chat with a family member should be just a click of a button away, we should be seeing reduction in elderly loneliness figures, however, this is not the case. Some elderly individuals struggle to understand this technology or can be afraid to admit their loneliness which keeps them isolated and cut off. As a result, social isolation remains a prevalent issue.
What are the Dangers of Elderly Loneliness?
For elderly people dealing with extended periods of loneliness, the risks are so much more than just “feeling sad.” Loneliness can lead to low self-esteem and medical conditions such as depression. There are even studies to show that loneliness can be linked to heart disease and high blood pressure. If you are worried about an elderly loved one, or even a neighbour, then there are ways that you can help this Christmas.
Ways You Can Tackle Elderly Loneliness This Christmas
Share the Gift of Technology
Of course, phone calls have been an option for long distance contact for decades now, but distance between loved ones can be reduced more so with the internet and a camera. There are a number of internet packages available at highly reduced rates to help keep the over 65s connected.
There are also several typesof devices which can be used to connect to loved ones. Though they may require a little bit of patience and guidance ,especially with more complex devices like laptops and iPads, they can be a great way to stay in touch. , There are also alternatives that are much easier to use as they are designed for seniors.
Respite Care Options
Maybe you have an elderly loved one who has recently come out of hospital, and due to this won’t be able to attend the family Christmas dinner. Instead of spending Christmas alone, there are many respite options that can be considered. For example, we provide respite care services at our residential care home which means that your loved one can be surrounded by friendly faces in a warm and festive setting.
Make an Effort to Connect With Elderly Loved Ones
Many elderly people living alone will feel too proud to reach out themselves if they are feeling lonely, or don’t want to feel like a hindrance. By making an effort to have regular chats, or if you can, carrying out visits over the festive period, you can make a big difference.
Make Plans in Advance
Even if there are impassable blocks for spending time with your elderly loved ones this Christmas, be sure to make plans for when spending time with them is more achievable. Whether the reasons are distance or health related, making plans will give something to look forward to and prepare for
Be Patient and Understanding
The options above are general ways that you can help make your elderly loved one’s Christmas a little bit warmer and brighter. Everyone is unique and it is important to listen out for their wants and needs, as well as making sure you are not pushing boundaries too far and making your loved one uncomfortable or confused.
If you have not made contact for a while, then this may come as a shock. Building, or rebuilding, a relationship can take time and patience.
Resources for Tackling Elderly Loneliness at Christmas
There are many free services put in place by charities to help those experiencing loneliness, not just at Christmas, but all year. These are great options to share with elderly loved ones or neighbours. Alternatively, you can go a step further and volunteer some of your time to help others this season.
Call in Time
Call in Time is a service provided by AgeUK which can provide elderly people with a telephone friendship. This is easy to sign up for, you can even refer someone else. Once some details have been shared, the elderly person will be matched to a like-minded person with similar hobbies to have a weekly catch up and conversation with.
This can make a huge difference to someone suffering from loneliness.
The Royal Voluntary Service
The Royal Voluntary Service works across the UK providing help to vulnerable elderly. They can help with stocking up on shopping, home library services, or just being a friendly face for a chat. The volunteers work with the NHS providing support to those who need it most. The service can often be stretched around Christmas and during the winter months, so this is a great opportunity to get involved in helping to prevent elderly loneliness and improve quality of life.
They also offer an online village hall for those who may be struggling to get out and get involved in their community. The virtual village hall hosts many events such as a Christmas concert, wellness classes and craft clubs.
Marmalade Trust
Marmalade Trust is a Bristol based charity which focuses its efforts on preventing loneliness and fostering social connections. They have a “Christmas Cheer” initiative which aims to bring joy and companionship to those who would otherwise be alone during the holiday season. They offer Christmas Day meals and door to door social visits, with options to refer anyone who could do with a friendly face this Christmas.