The Marmalade Trust’s Loneliness Awareness Week – which highlights the growing issue of loneliness and its devastating impact on individuals and communities – runs from 12-18 June.
Loneliness is a natural human emotion, but when it becomes a chronic issue, it can have severe consequences on mental and physical health. Sadly, elderly people are particularly vulnerable to feelings of loneliness as a result of isolation due to mobility issues, illness or bereavement.
The problem with loneliness is that it is often exacerbated as it can be a difficult emotion to talk about – but it is essential that we do. According to statistics from Age UK, more than two million people in the UK over the age of 75 live alone, of which over one million say they feel lonely.
Negative repercussions of long-term loneliness include increased risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. And the impact of loneliness is all the more devastating given there are so many ways to combat it.
How we provide essential companionship and social support to clients
As a provider of multi award-winning premium home care services to thousands of clients across the country, we truly understand the importance of companionship and support to everyone.
Feeling happy, engaged and motivated makes a world of difference to clients and has an immeasurably positive impact on their outlook on life.
Minimum 50-minute visits – and often much longer
As part of our holistic approach to care, we offer minimum 50-minute care visits each and every time we call. This ensures our carers have plenty of time to talk with and support clients, in turn building meaningful relationships.
This approach helps to combat loneliness by providing a regular, reliable source of interaction for clients who may otherwise be struggling to maintain social connections.
Total reliability, each and every time
But this approach would count for nothing if such visits were inconsistent. That’s why another keystone of the Blossom Home Care difference is our 100% reliability; clients can rest assured we will always be on time and that they will always have someone to genuinely engage with during their agreed care routine.
This level of reliability is essential in ensuring elderly people do not feel abandoned or isolated, which can quickly exacerbate feelings of loneliness.
Maintaining a healthy social life
In addition to providing reliable care visits, we empower clients to maintain a healthy social life wherever possible. This includes taking part in community activities with like-minded individuals, or enabling clients to take part in hobbies and days out with friends and family.
Supporting clients to create and maintain social connections makes a huge difference to their mind, body and soul.
As Loneliness Awareness Week approaches, let us all take the time to have conversations about loneliness and support those who may be struggling with social isolation. Empathy, companionship and support are at the heart of Blossom’s holistic approach to care, and we’re ready to help you or your loved ones however we can to combat loneliness and promote positive mental health.
Ready to experience a new level of care?
Blossom Home Care has an unbreakable commitment to delivering exceptional levels of service. If you want to find out more about how our superb carers can help your loved ones, please contact us today.