By Isle of Wight Observer
Companionship is key to a healthy life, but more needs to be done to reduce loneliness among the elderly on the Isle of Wight, according to research carried out by a home care provider.
In a survey of 2,000 over 65s Home Instead Senior Care found that nine in ten of them said that regular companionship would help them to stay mentally and physically healthy for longer.
Despite this, it was revealed that many older people felt lonely with over a quarter of them saying they spend 8 hours alone daily and almost half of over 85s face at least ten hours a day alone.
Now the home care company is urging the public to take action to help older people in the community feel less lonely. John Oswald, owner of Home Instead Senior Care said: “These findings don’t surprise us. A large part of our service involves providing companionship and we see just how life changing it can be for people who are feeling alone. If you can spare a few minutes a week to call a parent or check on an older neighbour, it could mean the world to them.”
The home care company this month launched a television campaign to highlight how care at home works, as well as highlighting the rewarding role of working in care.
Home Instead’s service is personal and tailored to the needs of each individual, but generally they seek to meet each of their clients for at least one hour a day.
If you would like to make a difference in the lives of older people or to find out more about the work of Home Instead Senior Care, call 01983 240015 or visit homeinstead.co.uk/isle-of-wight.
