How Home Support Can Help With Loneliness

As our population gets older, for a growing number of people, the issue of loneliness is becoming greater, but it is not always appreciated that home support services can help.

It is sometimes inevitable that an individual will spend part of their life alone after the loss of a partner.  With our social structures changing too, there is often a reduction of family support networks that perhaps were available to previous generations.  Loneliness can, of course, affect younger people too; this isn’t exclusively an age-related issue.

One of the main causes of loneliness in later life is the loss of close relationships. Bereavement, particularly the death of a spouse or long-term partner, can leave older people feeling isolated and emotionally vulnerable. Friends of a similar age may also pass away or become unwell, reducing opportunities for regular social interaction. In addition, adult children may live far away due to work or housing costs, making frequent visits difficult.

Now, whilst loneliness is a common experience, there are practical actions people can take to reduce its impact and rebuild connection.  One important step is to reach out to others, even in small ways and this is where home support services can help.  

It is perhaps easy to perceive home support services as simply being for cleaning, tidying, shopping or assistance with pets.  However, our role, particularly with Blue Dove Home Support, is to give so much more than this and to be aware of our clients’ wider needs.

Our help can also include helping our client to speak, or meet, with a friend or neighbour, travel to a local social group, attend a class, or get to a church service.  This sort of regular social contact, however brief, can make a significant difference.

Of course, technology also offers alternatives such as video calls, online forums, and social media communities.  Setting such things up is not always easy, especially for older people, but we are always willing to help either directly, or by bringing in the necessary help. Finally, the benefits of doing crafts can also be something we can help you get started on.

Looking after mental and physical health is equally important and so home support services can assist people with mobility issues to get out into the fresh air.  Whilst exercise may not always be possible, a trip out to a pleasant park, the beach or the forest can mean so much to confidence and emotional wellbeing.

Above all else, it is always good to have regular visits in life and know that someone is going to come to see you and look after your well-being.  Taking small, consistent steps can gradually help people feel more connected and supported.

If you would like to talk about regular home support services in Christchurch, The New Forest, or Wimborne, then call us today on 01202 830271 or email us at hello@bluedovehomesupport.co.uk.

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