A Resource for Carers
Loneliness is something that affects a lot of people.
According to the ONS in Spring 2021, 1 in 14 people said they were lonely. This is a worrying statistic that has been heightened by the coronavirus pandemic. Disabled people are also more likely to suffer with loneliness.
Enhance The UK conducted a survey in November 2021 and found that 47% of disabled people feel lonely frequently and 12% feel lonely all of the time.
It is important for carers to spot when someone is lonely as people who require care are often separated from family and friends.
Types of loneliness
There are two principal types of loneliness, Social and Emotional.
Emotional loneliness is when someone does not have a significant emotional connection with another person. This could be a partner of just a friend. The lack of this emotional connection can make a person feel very isolated. This isolation can make a person feel lonely even if they are in a room full of people that they know.
Social loneliness is usually the result of a lack of a social network including family and friends. It may also be heightened if someone is not able to work or if they work alone from home. A person can find it hard not having social interaction.
Spotting signs of loneliness
Loneliness can manifest itself in many ways, so it is not always going to be possible to spot that someone is lonely. However, there are some signs that you can look out for that may indicate that someone is feeling lonely or isolated.
Spending a lot of time alone
This may sound like a very obvious thing to look for, but it does not always mean that they are lonely. Some people do like their own company and may not be very sociable but some people spend time on their own because they feel anxious about interacting with other people.
Signs to look out for are:
- Do they try to stay out of group activities or spend little time in common areas?
- Do they prefer to stay at home rather than go out?
A lack of interest in doing things
Loneliness can make someone less interested in hobbies or work, often because they don’t see the point in doing something if it’s just for them. This can even affect things like cooking and cleaning which can lead to issues such as malnutrition.
They seem to be very negative
It is hard for some people who suffer from loneliness to see the positive in things. This might mean that they dwell on negative things more.
Be aware that being lonely does not always mean being alone
It is often said that a person can still feel lonely in a crowded room. Just because someone looks sociable does not mean that they feel included or connected to those around them. A person may seem sociable in a group but once on their own they may feel very isolated and alone.
Take into consideration how a person’s disability may make someone feel isolated
An example would be a person with a hearing impairment sitting in a restaurant with a large group of friends. They may find it difficult or exhausting to tune into conversations when background noise such as music, or too many voices talking at once, means they miss out on large parts of the conversation. This experience can be isolating and trigger a sense of loneliness.
Tips for helping someone suffering with loneliness
Loneliness is something that can affect anyone at any time. Identifying the signs and trying to help people when you first notice an issue can make a big difference. It only takes a few seconds to say hello and acting early can hopefully prevent someone from suffering from long periods of loneliness that can then have a detrimental effect on their health.
One to one interaction with others
In a survey of UK based disabled people conducted by Enhance The UK, 38% felt that a one-to-one conversation with a friend would be beneficial and reduce their feelings of isolation. So, encourage interaction with others, grabbing a coffee or going for a walk, or making a phone or video call. Find ways to help people break the ice and feel comfortable around others.
It could be worth asking other people to interact with those that you feel may be lonely. This could help an individual feel that they aren’t having to rely on carers for company and have a better social network.
Encourage group activities
Depending on the setting try and encourage group activities such as a Quiz or Bingo.
Building a stronger connection
Aim to help people keep in touch with their friends and family. This could be by aiding them with technology or encouraging families to make more contact.
Check in – How are you feeling?
Yes, it’s a very simple tip but one that is often overlooked in our busy lives. Take the time to ask how someone is feeling, try and make 5-10 minutes to check in. That 5-10 minutes conversation might make the difference to someone’s day if they do not see anyone else.
A team approach
Inform other members of staff that you feel someone is suffering with loneliness, don’t try to fix it alone.
Suggest talking therapies
There are lots of different types of talking therapies, all involve working with a trained therapist. They can be one to one, or in a group of people. They can take place face to face or by telephone or video call.
Be present
Let them know you’re there, this could be as simple as giving them a smile or saying good morning.
Encourage someone to read or watch a good box set
We can all get lost in a good book or tv show, they are a great distraction from what is playing on our mind. Encouraging someone in your care to watch a specific programme also gives you something in common to talk about and helps to build a connection
Do not ignore as loneliness
Loneliness can lead to depression and a serious decline in physical and mental wellbeing so it’s an issue that needs to be addressed. If you are not sure what to do, talk to a manager of anyone else involved in that person’s care ie a GP or Social Worker.
Helpful organisations:
MIND
The mental health charity – help for mental health problems
mind.org.uk
CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably, is a charity dedicated to preventing male suicide, the biggest single killer of men aged 20-45 in the UK
thecalmzone.net
Marmalade Trust
Loneliness charity, based in Bristol, England
marmaladetrust.org
Wavelength
UK’s leading loneliness charity giving media technology to those most in need
wavelength.org.uk
Age UK
The UK’s leading charity helping every older person who needs us
ageuk.org.uk
Samaritans
Whatever you’re facing, a Samaritan will face it with you
Every day, Samaritans volunteers respond to around 10,000 calls for help.
samaritans.org