{"id":327,"date":"2021-01-14T13:50:36","date_gmt":"2021-01-14T13:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elmfieldcare.co.uk\/?p=327"},"modified":"2021-05-26T14:50:24","modified_gmt":"2021-05-26T14:50:24","slug":"5-ways-to-avoid-the-effects-of-loneliness-on-your-loved-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elmfieldcare.co.uk\/news\/5-ways-to-avoid-the-effects-of-loneliness-on-your-loved-one\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Avoid the Effects of Loneliness on your Loved One"},"content":{"rendered":"
Now in our third national lockdown, it is almost a year that your loved ones have been isolating in some manner. This has meant an absence of the usual events your loved ones used to enjoy, be they \u2018knit and natter\u2019, cards or just visiting day centres, often the lifeblood of their social interaction.<\/p>\n
According to the NHS, isolation can have a serious effect on people\u2019s health. For those that need care, it is likely their requirements have changed over the past year, as they typically do over time. However, some conditions, such as dementia, will have been made worse by the isolation, causing increased worry for relatives about how they will cope.<\/p>\n
So, what should we be thinking about? We do not intend to cover every topic here, but rather address some of the more important ones.<\/p>\n
Regular calls and, if possible, video calls, are important. An increased frequency of calls, even if they are short, can be crucial to helping break up periods of loneliness.<\/p>\n
Organisations such as Independent Age (0800 319 6789<\/u><\/a>) and Age UK (0800 055 6112<\/u><\/a>) provide a free service where a volunteer who enjoys talking to elderly people can call your loved one every week or fortnight.<\/p>\n Arranging for a friendly neighbour to just knock on the door and check how they are can help reduce isolation, bringing comfort and reassurance to you and our loved one.<\/p>\n It is important they maintain a healthy, balanced diet, and keep hydrated. However, ensuring your loved one is eating, and sometimes even cooking, can be difficult.<\/p>\n If they are badly nourished or dehydrated, they may be more susceptible to becoming ill as their immune system deteriorates. This can lead to a greater chance of falls and other health issues.<\/p>\n Signs to look out for include headaches, constipation, muscle cramps, dry mouth and tongue, and sleepiness or lethargy.<\/p>\n2. Nutrition and Hydration<\/h3>\n
3. Medication and Healthcare<\/h3>\n