Community support for elderly at Christmas
Everyone enjoys some peace and quiet and time away from the very busy lives that we all lead. It may be that you take a long walk in the countryside, curl up with a good book or enjoy a leisurely soak in the bath without interruptions. Time alone, when we choose it, gives us a chance to recharge our batteries and cope with all that life throws at us
But time alone that we have chosen is very different from the enforced isolation that many elderly people suffer from on a daily basis
If you can’t get out for a walk, are no longer able to read a book and can only take a bath with help from another person, then being alone can take on a very different perspective and the days can seem very long
This sense of loneliness can be especially heightened on key days throughout the year, when being with the people you love is at the heart of the celebration
Research has revealed that 68% of people say that they can’t imagine anything worse than being alone on Christmas Day
Many of the well established care organisations that meet these very real needs of companionship and community throughout the remainder of the year take their well deserved rest on this poignant date
Not only that but public transport ceases, local coffee shops are closed and would you really want to sit and eat dinner alone at a local hotel? By the community stepping in to fill this definite gap elderly people no longer need to feel uncared for or forgotten
For some elderly people, attending a Christmas lunch may be the start of something that provides them with contacts which improve their physical, social and emotional well being throughout the coming year
The sense of isolation is reduced and the community as a whole is strengthened with simple actions like;
Younger neighbours being more aware of the needs of their elderly neighbours – able to clear paths or buy a pint of milk after the snow or pop round for a cup of tea
A greater sense of community generally – lack of fear, younger people can learn from old, which can be particularly valuable if they don’t have elderly relatives nearby
There are even instances when a contact made at Christmas enables longer term needs to be identified by people who know what else is offer locally and it may even provide you with contact with someone locally who now knows your elderly parent and may be willing to be your eyes and ears and just keep an eye on your parent
With all the talk about virtual communities, it is vital that we remember and recognise that human beings are social animals who, generally, will thrive and feel more positive about themselves if they are able to share face-to-face interactions with their fellow human beings
How to get information on Christmas activities for older people
There are events happening across the country, but never enough to meet the ever growing need
There is now a website www.communitychristmas.org.uk that is gathering and disseminating information about the festive lunches that are taking place throughout the country
As well as promoting existing events, there is also comprehensive guidance and support for any individual or organisation that may like to organise a Christmas lunch within their own local community. Why not think about it for next year?
A quick visit to the website enables you to enter your parent’s postcode and find details of any events taking place in that area. The organiser’s details are included so that you can make direct contact, reserve a place and be confident in the knowledge that your parent will be able to enjoy not only a tasty seasonal lunch but also the far more intangible benefits of knowing that they are part of a caring community that has not forgotten them
You will be able to enjoy your own celebrations clear in your mind that your elderly relative is in a safe and social setting and when you next speak to them who knows who will have had the most fun!
For more information, visit www.communitychristmas.org.uk or call 0844 854 9251
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation have useful loneliness support packs
