Durning and after the pandemic there has been a universally increased feel of loneliness, which has been particularly felt by those in care homes and care workers.  

This is the result of many factors, one being the decrease in the amount of care workers. Not only has this affected those being supported but staff as well. During the pandemic we saw the healthcare industry constantly being struck by the affects Covid has had on the whole world, constantly being pushed to the limits, and as a result many carers became overwhelmed by the increased workload and a further number lost due to the announcement of mandatory vaccines, which was predicted to be around 5000 lost carers.  

During the pandemic social isolation was at an all-time high and mental health was taking a hit on those in care, particularly individuals in long term care, who are thought to experience loneliness more than the average person, but it has been clear that since the pandemic this has increased even more. Studies have found that individuals in care homes that had on going strict Covid rules experienced an increase of depression, anxiety, worsening dementia and failure to thrive.  

Another scenario that came from the social isolation of those in care homes was a surge in the number of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics that were needing/wanting to be prescribed, as said by Lea Watson, MD, MPH, a psychiatric consultant. 

Since Covid rules began to change we could see an improvement in individuals in care homes (to some extent) which goes to show our need for connections. However, these feelings of loneliness are far from over for some, here are some steps you can take to help those you support and yourself cope with loneliness.  

What can you do if you or the individuals you support feel lonely? 

Loneliness can be felt by anyone and not everyone will experience loneliness in the same way or at the same time. Within care there will be many people that you support who could be feeling lonely and you might not even know it. Which is why it’s crucial that you’re able to follow the steps below to further provide quality care.  

Ways to help manage loneliness for the individual(s) you support: 

• Arrange activities for those you support 
• Ask about their life, you’ll never know what great story someone has to tell until you ask 
• Be observant of triggers for their feelings of loneliness 
• Encourage them to connect with others 
• Stay present with the individual
• Encourage any activities they’d like to be involved in 
• Find services dedicated to tackling loneliness

Most importantly be patient, this is crucial in everyday care and especially for those with an increase in feeling lonely, as they could be feeling more stress than average. 

Loneliness can appear differently in everyone’s life and symptoms can appear subtle, if you’re unsure if someone is experiencing these feelings here are some main ways to identify this emotion in others:

• They dwell on the negatives and bad experiences 
• They become overly attached to personal belongings 

• They experience sudden changes in mental health 
• They have a quick temper and/or can become judgmental easily 
• They start to doubt themselves a lot 

There are many studies showing the affects that loneliness has on older generations within care homes, with connections between loneliness and an increased deteriorating health. Social isolation is estimated to be comparable early death risk factor to smoking 15 cigarettes each day. 

Many campaigns are constantly being held to combat loneliness felt worldwide and one campaign in particular, known as the campaign to end loneliness. This campaign is fighting for ways to tackle loneliness and find ways for all ages to make connections that matter. There are 9 million lonely people in the UK alone and since 2011 this campaign has been fighting to change their lives for the better, allowing them to live a life free from loneliness.  

Are you feeling lonely? 

Then make sure to stick around to check out our article on this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, with the theme loneliness. You can find this article at a later date, which will be full of information on loneliness and the causes behind it.