Tackling Isolation Loneliness has long been a problem amongst older people but Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt’s recent speech has bought the issue to the headlines again. The Abbeyfield Kent Society takes a look at how our residential homes provide valuable companionship and help older people avoid isolation in later life According to the Campaign to End Loneliness, half of all people aged 65 and over live alone and over one million older people have not seen a friend or relative in a whole month. Whether this is due to their children having moved away for work or them not wanting to be a burden, it is unacceptable. Whilst moving out of your own home and in to a residential home is often deemed a last resort, for many it is the start of a new life and a great opportunity. Abbeyfield Kent residential homes provide the opportunity to learn new things and make new friends in a safe and warm environment, don’t just take our word for it. Sandra Beasley a resident at Watling Court said: “I used to feel that I had no one to talk to, I always felt isolated but here at Watling Court I feel like part of a family.” Marlene Wise, another Watling Court resident agreed: “I never used to see a soul and it made me feel down and fed up. I love being here at Watling Court as I have so many friends to chat with.” The Abbeyfield Kent Society understands that even when many people surround us we can still be at risk of feeling lonely which is why we are proud to embrace the Eden Alternative principles within our homes. The Eden theory focuses on eliminating loneliness, helplessness and boredom in care homes by providing spontaneous activities and filling the homes with plants, pets and regular visits from children. Our homes act as a mini community in which many of our residents enjoy taking on job roles, such as feeding the pets, setting the table at mealtimes, weeding the garden and helping the laundry assistant with the washing. Even though we have our own communities we still get involved with our neighborhoods, often inviting locals in for parties, fetes and quiz nights. Involving our residents with the wider community gives them the chance to not only experience new activities but also to get to know new people that they may not usually meet. Undeniably, friendship is key to avoiding loneliness in later life, just ask Jean and Marlene, who live with us at Watling Court. Jean and Marlene were friends at school but drifted apart in adulthood. The pair were reunited some 70 years later at Watling Court and have been inseparable ever since.
Whilst it is shocking enough that over one million peopled aged 65 and over say they often or always feel lonely, what is perhaps most alarming is that the Campaign to End Loneliness also found that severe isolation can be as harmful for health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. So, how can you help those that aren’t living with us and are alone in their homes? Every single older person has someone who could visit, whether that’s a neighbour, a relative or a friend. We know people are busier than ever with work and family commitments, especially with Christmas just around the corner but would taking ten minutes out of your day to call an elderly person or pop in for a cup of tea inconvenience you that much? Around 500,000 older people will spend Christmas Day alone, how would you feel if that was your parent or grandparent? As a nation we are all responsible for doing our bit to support those in need. It only takes five minutes to make the world of difference to someone’s life.