Isolation
The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the elderly and vulnerable in our community. Many having been shielding and staying at home for over a year with minimal human contact. We have found that these extended periods of isolation have led to anxiety, apathy, and extreme loneliness.
What can be done to help?
We have found the following to be helpful to support the vulnerable and help with isolation.
- Maintain regular routines and schedules. Aim to go to bed and wake at similar times each day and eat three healthy meals at regular intervals.
- Engage in simple, physical exercise. A short walk or gardening can have huge physical and mental health benefits. These activities help brain stimulation and prevents boredom.
- Keep regular contact with family and loved ones. Whilst many of us struggle to adjust to new technology, there is no easier way to see or speak to loved ones than Facetime, Skype, WhatsApp, or telephone. As a care provider, we help clients operate their device if they are struggling.
However, as an individual, what can you do if you are unable to do any of the above?
At Caremark, we are fully aware that some people are too vulnerable to go about their day-to-day activities entirely independently. Our incredible team work tirelessly day-in, day-out, to ensure everyone is well looked after.
If someone does not require our traditional care services, we also offer companionship care services with regular visits to allow the time for a cup of tea and chat with our clients. Where it is not possible to see our clients in person, we conduct weekly well-being calls to counter loneliness and check our clients have everything they need.
According to AGEUK, nearly one million older people across the UK go for more than one month without speaking to anyone. We strongly believe that no one should be alone during isolation, without so much as a text or phone call. As a care provider our purpose is to be a friendly face for our clients, and someone they feel they can talk to.
At Caremark we have provided activity packs for our clients which include word searches, crosswords and sudoku. We offer jigsaw puzzles, books and craft activities which are provided free of charge. This gesture has been particularly welcomed by our clients as they are unable to attend their usual events during this difficult time.
Our clients are always appreciative of what we do. It is vitally important that we support clients through this challenging period. We also collect prescriptions and weekly shopping.
For further details of the services, we provide please visit www.caremark.co.uk/midsussex
