Introducing Senior Snippets, the latest advice from Director of Home Instead Senior Care in Ruislip and Harrow, Stuart Hart.
How to tackle loneliness
This week, BBC Radio 2 is highlighting issues around loneliness, exploring topics such as how to cope with isolation. Here, Director of Home Instead Senior Care in Ruislip and Harrow, Stuart Hart, shares his advice on combatting loneliness for the elderly.
There are lots of ways you can help lonely or socially isolated elderly people in your community. Here are just a few:
Start a conversation:  If you see an elderly neighbour on the street, stop and have a chat with them. Ask if they need any help with their shopping, posting letters or any other errands. This simple gesture could make a huge difference to a person’s day.
Get to know your neighbour: If you don’t know your neighbours, take the opportunity to introduce yourself when you see them next, and ask if you can help in any way. If you know someone who lives alone or doesn’t leave their house much, they might be a good person to reach out to and will most likely appreciate your effort.
Share a meal: Older people often need a hand cooking for themselves, so why not share your time with a neighbour by bringing them an extra serving of a hot, home cooked meal, or even a frozen portion they can heat up or microwave.
Share your time: A rewarding way to help combat loneliness is to volunteer for organisations that support older people. These often offer "befriending" schemes for isolated elderly people, and rely on volunteers for one-to-one contact as a telephone "buddy", visitor or driver, or hosting social events for groups.
It's the thought that counts: Something as simple as sending a card or posting one through the letterbox, dropping off a little present, or calling in for a cup of tea can go a long way to making an elderly neighbour feel loved.
If you’d like to make a real difference to the lives of older people, why not consider becoming a CAREGiver with Home Instead Ruislip and Harrow? Find out more information here or contact us on 01895 624230