Combatting loneliness in the elderly with care

Heartbreakingly, many older people living alone can go over a week without talking to a single person. And unsurprisingly, this increased loneliness in older people is likely to have a significant impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Our care homes are vibrant, thriving places where our residents often enjoy true companionship, with so many forming lasting friendships.

And for many families, respite care has been a lifeline. Respite care not only gives carers the chance to take a break, with the peace of mind that their loved one is in safe hands and enjoying a short break themselves. Respite care is also a great opportunity for people to make new friends and take part in meaningful activities.

Nobody explains the benefits of life in one of our care homes quite like Rosemary, Resident Ambassador at our Orchard House in Cambridgeshire. “At home I would sometimes spend a whole day, or several hours siting on my own At Orchard House I’m never on my own, unless I wish to be.”

For advice on respite care, our dedicated Enquiry Support Team are here to talk on 0800 917 0478.

Combatting elderly loneliness through respite care

Our devoted staff provide short and long-term respite care breaks, which can often be booked in advance. They spend so much time getting to know the people they are caring for, what matters most to them and what brings them joy, so they can enrich their lives. And often its finding friendships and connections that can bring the most happiness.

Penny booked a short respite stay for her mother Susie, who lives with dementia, at our Don Thomson House, and Susie loved it so much they never looked back. Penny explains how Susie has thrived: “She’s often not in her room when we telephone, because she’s off round the home with her friends!”

Ending loneliness with respite care

Sometimes caring for a loved one can leave people feeling isolated as they juggle work, parental responsibilities of their own and so much more. Respite care can break that cycle, giving everyone a little breathing space.

Mandy was caring for mother Maggie, who lives with Alzheimer’s, which eventually put quite a strain on their relationship. But after a short stay for respite at our Juniper House in Worcester, it was clear having constant companionship was something Maggie needed, and she moved in permanently. Mandy explains how she felt following Maggie’s first respite break: “When I collected her from Juniper she looked like my mum again, she was sparkling and there was light in her eyes,” she says. “She’s happy to be there and it’s so nice for her to be around people.”

As well as supporting residents to develop friendships, our staff do everything they can to keep our residents connected to the communities outside their care homes. For example, school children, community groups and volunteers are all regulars in our care homes. And of course, loved ones, friends and family are welcome to visit any time.  

Respite Care near you

To find out more about respite care services near you, please call our Enquiry Support Team on 0800 917 0478. We also have a free respite guide, which you can download at the bottom of our Enquiry Support Team page.