Studies have shown that loneliness has been identified as far more than the desire to be with other people. Loneliness has also been shown to have significant health consequences, with many premature deaths being the consequences of a life lived alone.
The University of Chicago showed evidence that loneliness cuts life-expectancy on average by 14%, because lonely people have lower levels of white blood cells white fight diseases in their bodies.
The report stated that ‘perceived social isolation (PSI)’ is a risk factor for chronic illnesses.
How does this affect us and our clients?
Many clients that we look after have lost a loved one. This may have been several years earlier or recently. Either way, it may be that after many years of marriage and companionship they are now on their own.
Additionally, many live-in carers feel very lonely because placements are isolated and sometimes there is a lack of communication ability from a client.
Not only does loneliness affect mental health, conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease and a weakened immune system can often be attributed to loneliness.
Some ideas to think about
Join a gym
You may find some classes which run during your break. If not, you will be able to use the facilities and meet other people.
Join an online book club
Joining a physical book club may not be possible but there are many online clubs where you will get to know other people who have the same reading interest as you do.
Find online support
There are several carer platforms where you will be able to contact other carers who may be in the same situation. You may be surprized at just how many people are lonely and need someone to talk to. Often you may be able to meet up for coffee in breaks.
Strengthen your relationships
Keep in touch with old friends and family members. Take a little time to drop people an email, make a phone call, write a card. Do things to keep in touch with the people who are important to you.
Talk to strangers
Now, we all know that safety comes first with this, but there are many people such as a neighbour next door, or a person serving you in the coffee shop. Interacting with other people on a daily basis will make you feel less like you are on your own.
Keep them busy
Find something that your client enjoys doing and encourage it. This may be doing a jigsaw or tending to pot plants. Try to build an hour or so into the day where they can start their hobby again.
Don’t underestimate visitors
While visitors who overstay their welcome can be tedious, you may try to encourage a neighbour to visit your client for coffee or even lunch. Return the favour by taking your client to their house.
Be happy for any visitors to the house as this will help to fill an otherwise lonely day.
Loneliness can be very bad for health, both for carers and clients, so making some changes is a good idea.
Going out for coffee once or twice a week will bring both of you into contact with other people, which is a good thing. Keeping your client occupied and busy will fill the day for both of you and may help stem the tide of loneliness.
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