The Risk of Social Isolation for the Elderly- and How to Help

When a frail elderly person has a small and fragmented social network

, they can be at risk of loneliness and social isolation. There have been many disturbing news stories about deceased elderly persons being left in their homes for long periods of time because no one was coming in to check on them. How can these horrible situations be prevented? How can vulnerable elderly people become connected to their communities?

Social Isolation How does it happen?

There can be many reasons why a person becomes isolated in their later years. For some people, having limited social contacts is a preference and a part of their lifestyle carried over from their youth. For others, this lack of social connections is not their choice and these are the people this article is concerned with. Some elderly people may have small families or families that live far away. There are also people who have become more isolated due to increasing frailty. Some elderly people find it difficult and frustrating to socialize because they are deaf or have poor eyesight. It may also stem from no longer being able to drive to see friends and family. There are many ways a person can fall through the cracks of the social net and become isolated and lonely.

Social Isolation Risks

When a person is isolated and lonely they are at risk of depression. People in this situation may also not eat well. They are therefore at risk of illness which can lead to further pressure on the hospital and health systems. Of course the biggest and saddest risk is a "lonely death".The issue of social isolation amongst the elderly is difficult to remedy as the person's at risk are difficult to find. They may not complain to the limited social contacts they have- such as their doctor or neighbour. It's up to the community to pay attention to the frail elderly and make an effort to ask them if they need help.

What Can YOU do for your community?

By paying more attention to the people around us we can help to prevent lonely deaths in our communities. Here are some simple things that you can do:

Make the effort to call /and/or visit your elderly relatives regularly

Talk to you neighbours regularly

Become a volunteer! there are lots of community organisations that have volunteer visiting programs for the frail elderly.

Options for isolated people

If you know someone who may be at risk of social isolation, there are a range of supports available in the community. Often local churches and community groups provide a visiting service. One organisation in Sydney, Catholic Community Services introduced the Community Links program which provides a daily phone call to isolated and lonely people. Check to see what is happening in your community.

Remember- just because a person is elderly doesn't mean they cannot become re-connected with their community. Support and services can be focussed on social rehabilitation. Sometimes this can involve helping the person to maintain their old social networks; such as providing the person with transport so they can still attend their church or club. Sometimes a social rehabilitation approach will include helping the person to join a new club or social group in their area. Perhaps they may require a personal social support service, such as a paid carer to assist them to access the community. Find out what is available in your local community, you may be surprised.

The Risk of Social Isolation for the Elderly- and How to Help

By: Jodie Turner

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