According to the NHS, the elderly run a higher risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation, usually as a result of living alone, retirement from employment or due to lack of close family contact.
In fact, research conducted by Age UK shows that, “more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and over a million people say they go more than a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member.”
Knowing how to deal with these feelings of loneliness can be difficult and many find it hard to reach out. That’s why it’s important for us to remain connected with anyone we know in that age group, such as family members or a neighbour, to show them we care.
The Patience Care Group (PCG) is a group at the Universal Church that willingly volunteers in hospitals and care homes to give attention to the elderly, patients and their families. The aim of this group is to offer spiritual support to some of the most neglected members of society, helping them to feel loved and appreciated.
In the month of August, the group visited a local care home and hospital, this time with hampers containing chocolate and other sweet treats for the staff. The volunteers were happy to spend the afternoon offering a listening ear and a chat with the workers of the home.
The initiative was a great success and greatly appreciated by the staff who look forward to future projects. The PCG are always looking forward to organising future events and initiatives to support patients and their families, visit our social media platforms for updates on future events.
If the work of the PCG can benefit you, don’t hesitate to visit your nearest Universal Church and ask to speak with the Pastor, who will be available to assist you.
Furthermore, if the topics mentioned in this article relate to you and you would like to speak to someone, call us on our 24-Hour helpline at 020 7686 6000 or message us on WhatsApp at 020 7686 6010. Someone will be available to help you at any time of the day.
Sources: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/loneliness-in-older-people/#:~:text=Older%20people%20are%20especially%20vulnerable,it%20hard%20to%20get%20out.
