Loneliness in Nursing Homes: How Lidder Care Makes a Difference

Lidder Care understands loneliness is a concern in nursing and care homes. We prioritise social connection, offer engaging activities, and personalised care to create a warm and fulfilling environment for residents.

The decision to move a loved one into a nursing home is a big step, and it often comes with mixed feelings. 

At Lidder Care, we understand the worries families have for their loved ones, especially about them becoming lonely and feeling isolated. These are common worries, but we believe they don’t have to be a reality. We’re here to make sure your loved one feels at home and part of a community.

Our care goes beyond just taking care of daily needs. We want to create a warm and friendly place where every resident feels connected and important. 

Studies have shown that loneliness is a problem in many nursing homes across the UK. In fact, one study by a PHD student at the university of Bedfordshire found that 80% of older residents in care homes with mental health problems said they felt lonely.

This is exactly why Lidder Care has made it a top priority to combat loneliness and help our residents feel like they belong. We want families to know that their loved ones will be cared for in a place that focuses on making sure everyone feels connected and happy.

Understanding Loneliness: It’s More Than Just Being Alone

Loneliness isn’t just about being by yourself. It’s a deeper feeling of being disconnected and alone, even when you’re around other residents. It can happen to anyone, but it’s especially common in nursing and care homes for a few reasons:

• Loss of Familiarity: Moving to a new setting, leaving behind old routines, family and friends, can be confusing and make your loved one feel lost. This is especially common for those with dementia. 
• Less Meaningful Conversation: Sometimes, busy staff might not have as much time for long chats. Even residents who like to be alone can feel lonely if they don’t have meaningful conversations with others.
• Boredom and Not Enough to Do: Leaving an active life and coming to a care home with different routines can lead to boredom and feeling down, which can add to the feeling of loneliness.

Loneliness isn’t just about feeling sad; it’s a serious health concern for older adults. Studies have shown that prolonged loneliness can have a significant impact on physical and mental health. It has been linked to an increased risk of:

• High blood pressure and heart disease: Loneliness can trigger stress responses in the body, leading to elevated blood pressure and a higher risk of cardiovascular problems.
• Weakened immune system: Feeling lonely can suppress the immune system, making older adults more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
• Depression and anxiety: The emotional toll of loneliness can lead to or worsen existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
• Cognitive decline: Lack of social engagement and stimulation can contribute to a decline in cognitive function, including memory problems and difficulty concentrating.

How Lidder Care Helps Residents Feel Less Lonely

At Lidder Care, we have a few ways to combat loneliness. We make care plans for each person, thinking about what they like and need, both physically and mentally. 

We are also proud of our high staffing levels here at both of our Lidder Care homes, so each resident of ours gets special attention and can build friendships with the staff members who care for them.

Our activities team host a full schedule of different activities to keep residents’ minds and bodies active. We go on outings, have meals together, have interesting talks, and plan special activities that residents enjoy. This helps everyone connect and have fun.

We also know home is where the heart is. That’s why we encourage all of our residents to bring items from home that are special to them and to decorate their rooms the way they like.

Working Together with Families

Families are important in combating loneliness. We want you to visit often and join in activities. We also want to talk openly with you about how your loved one is feeling. We host family events and encourage you to spend time with your loved one doing things they enjoy.

We know it’s a big decision to move a loved one into a nursing home. We want to make it easier by making our homes places where everyone feels welcome and cared for. 

Our focus on fighting loneliness is just one part of how we care for residents. We want your loved one to feel happy, connected, and respected here.

By working together, we can make sure your loved one feels supported, connected, and happy at Lidder Care.

To learn more about how our teams at Newgate Lodge Care Home and Lowmoor Nursing Home tackle loneliness, contact us today.