Creating a Loneliness-Proof Home

Too many people in the UK live alone and many of them are elderly who perhaps don’t get to see family and friends as often as they would like. In many cases it is a fact that families are extremely busy and unable to visit older relatives but there are ways to loneliness-proof a home. Families can help to make a loved ones’ home one in which loneliness is no longer an issue.

One way could be to provide your loved one with a professional live-in carer, if needed, who can provide companionship alongside essential care. Read on for ideas on how you can ‘loneliness-proof’ your loved one’s home.

Community integration via technology

Encourage your loved one to get onto the internet to socialise with like-minded people. Find out what groups in their area offer activities and hobby workshops which can be shared online.

If they are tech-savvy, why not set up a digital photo frame which connects to wi-fi via a phone app which gives a code allowing the user to invite friends and family to send photos. This is a great idea for grandchildren to share photos, artwork or messages about their achievements directly to grandparents. There are several different versions available on Amazon or elsewhere on the web.

A smart speaker such as Google Nest or Alexa can be connected with a smart device to allow voice messaging, phone calls or video calls and connect with family and friends. Smart speakers can also play music and answer questions. The advantage of a smart speaker is the feeling of communication with another person, even if only an electronic voice!

If your loved one is unsure about technology or likely to forget instructions just write everything down for them.

Get them a personal alarm

A recurring worry among older people, especially ones who live alone, is what will happen if they fall or have an accident in the home. A personal alarm, either one they can wear around their neck or as a watch on the wrist, which is constantly monitored in case of emergency can provide peace of mind and a sense that someone is always there to help.

Companionship from a pet

Many older people have to give up their dogs or cats often for reasons of ill-health but it doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy the companionship a pet can give. One solution could be to arrange for regular visits from a friend or family member with a pet. Older people in the north of the UK could get visits from a professional volunteer from a charity which provides essential contact with a dog to banish feelings of isolation. Pets As Therapy perform a similar service for those missing the company of a furry friend.

It’s clear that the key to reducing feelings of loneliness in someone living alone in their own home is to keep open the lines of communication whether through the use of technology or through visits from volunteers.