It’s time to break the stigma. 

Loneliness is something we all experience at some point in our lives. But for people in care, it can become a daily reality. Older adults in care are twice as likely to experience chronic loneliness. People with learning disabilities report loneliness at double the rate of the general population and individuals receiving home care often have limited social contact outside of staff visits, making their world feel much smaller than it should. 

When loneliness is left unaddressed, it doesn’t just affect mood — it affects health. It raises the likelihood of depression, anxiety, dementia and heart disease, and according to UK Government research, loneliness increases the risk of early death by around 25%. Despite this overwhelming evidence, stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to people seeking support. 

One major reason people don’t reach out is because loneliness is still seen as a “personal failure” rather than a very real health issue. Government‑commissioned research shows that many individuals feel ashamed, embarrassed, or worried they’ll be judged if they admit they’re lonely. Instead of asking for help, they internalise it, creating what’s known as self‑stigma. 

Self‑stigma is subtle, with many not realising it’s happening. Individuals experiencing self-stigma simply withdraw, minimise their feelings, or convince themselves they “shouldn’t” feel lonely. Meanwhile, their mental and physical health continues to decline.

 

Internal vs External Stigma 

Internal stigma is the belief that loneliness reflects badly on you. That you should be coping better, or that needing connection makes you weak. 

External stigma comes from the world around us:  

• Assumptions that loneliness is “just part of ageing”  

• Fear of being seen as dependent  

• Negative perceptions of social care  

• Cultural beliefs that emotional struggles should be kept private 

Both forms of stigma stop people from speaking up and when people stay silent, loneliness becomes worse. 

 

The Impact of Loneliness on Care Providers 

Loneliness doesn’t just affect the individuals experiencing it. It affects services too. 

People who feel lonely are three times more likely to visit their GP. They often enter care later and in worse condition because they delay seeking support, worried others will see them as “unable to cope.” This leads to higher care needs, more crisis interventions, and greater pressure on already stretched teams. 

Consistent support can make a huge difference. At Halo Staffing, we ensure that all potential candidates are not only consistent but reliable, compassionate, and prepared. This helps service users build trust with staff who genuinely support them. 

 

How Care Teams Can Reduce Stigma 

There are many steps we can take to help people feel safe enough to talk about loneliness and to break down both internal and external barriers. 

What Can We All Do Differently? 

• Normalise conversations about loneliness 

• Avoid minimising or dismissing feelings 

• Encourage small social interactions 

• Recognise loneliness as a health issue, not a personal flaw 

What Can Care Teams Do Differently? 

• Encourage reflective practice 

• Link training to real‑life support scenarios 

• Create safe spaces for questions and check‑ins 

• Refresh training regularly, not just once 

• Notice changes in behaviour that may signal withdrawal 

Halo Staffing provides candidates who are fully trained and ready to support emotional wellbeing, not just physical care. If you’re looking for staffing or training support, we want to hear from you! 

Find out how we can support your organisation by clicking the button below.