Loneliness in the Elderly

Social isolation and loneliness in the elderly are public health issues in the UK.

The realism that changes the well-being and physical health of the elderly can be a factor that causes depression. The deterioration denotes a progressive impairment or decline of intellectual and personality functions such as memory, concentration, reasoning, communication, and emotional responses.

There are also health risks associated with loneliness in the elderly that have been compared to the harmful effects of smoking and obesity.

There are many ways to combat the empty feelings of loneliness. The opportunity for social contact is a must to combat empty feelings. People need support to maintain their existing meaningful and long-term relationships. We have all experienced isolation and possible loneliness at times during the pandemic, no matter what age.

The term ‘older people’ covers a large area from late middle age to early old age. Social contacts can easily fall by the wayside due to many reasons such as the loss of a partner or a decline in mobility or health.

If you’re looking for a care home with passion, get in touch with Swarthmore Residential Care Home today.

Helping combat loneliness in the elderly

Research shows that some people have taken to online social interactions. This can be a path to greater social inclusion which has a positive effect on well-being.

For families concerned about their elderly relative it helps to talk about values, emotions or financial concerns. These facts are part of everyday life and this is part of the process we must encounter when our loved ones reach an age where we need to think about additional care. The clock turns- our parents looked after us when we were young, and now it’s our turn to ensure they are cared for.

AgingCare.com has compiled the following list of questions that may help you start your own reminiscing session with an elder, which hopefully you will find interesting:

● In what ways do you think I’m like you? And not like you?

● Who is the person who influenced your life the most?

● Do you have a lost love?

● Which new technology have you found most helpful in your life? Which do you find to be the most annoying?

● Is there anything you have always wanted to tell me but never have?

● Is there anything you regret not having asked your parents?

● Do you wish anything had been different between us, or would you still like to change something?

● What was the happiest moment of your life?

● What are you most proud of?

● How did your experience in the military mold you as a person? (adapt to their experience in their job)

● What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life?

● What is your earliest memory?

● Did you receive an allowance as a child? How much? Did you save your money or spend it?

● Who were your friends when you were growing up?

● What was your favorite thing to do for fun?

● What was school like for you as a child? What were your best and worst subjects? What did you eat for lunch?

● What school activities and sports did you participate in?

● Do you remember any fads from your youth? Popular hairstyles? Clothing?

● What world events had the most impact on you?

● How would you like to be remembered?

How best can we enable them to live out their lives as comfortable as possible, so that loneliness in the elderly is minimised?

We want them to remain happy and interact with others. A care home can provide the answer for some people. Activities within the home can provide structure, nutrition, and care. Reminiscence is a valuable method of engaging with others. Having people around all day provides a purpose; someone to talk to or engage with, in a game of bridge or scrabble helps pass the day. Symptoms of depression will hopefully improve their self-esteem and life will become happy again.

How can Swarthmore Residential Care Home help?

Swarthmore provides residential care for people from 65 years. We focus on what matters most to our residents, compassionate and well-trained staff who provide high-quality residential, respite and end-of-life care – something we have done for many years. You’ll find our characterful home in a peaceful spot, complete with a warm atmosphere and stunning accessible sensory garden that has been designed with the seasons in mind. We are one large happy family and welcome new residents. If you would like to view the available rooms or discuss further, we would be delighted to hear from you – get in touch today and call 01753 980295, Option 1 for new care enquiries.