Over half of British people racked with guilt about how little they visit their older relatives

Over three-quarters of Britons feel that visiting their relative is a high priority, however just under a quarter rarely manage to do it, according to new research.

The survey carried out by care provider Anchor found the British public are plagued by guilt for not being able to give enough time to their elderly relatives.

Anchor’s chief executive Jane Ashcroft said: “We’re living in an ageing society and would all like to think that we’ll always be surrounded by loved ones. While it’s not always possible to grow old with family nearby, there are lots of options out there for people in need of companionship or care.” This survey comes in the wake of research by Age UK who said 450,000 people over the age of 65 will spend this Christmas alone.

Ms Ashcroft continued: “People living in retirement housing often find that they are able to live independently but in a close-knit, thriving community, and in our care homes, we have a strong emphasis on arranging activities that people of all ages can enjoy. From Christmas parties to summer fetes and dancing competitions, we know that our residents enjoy inviting their loved ones to events that take place in their homes.”

The study does not distinguish between people visiting a relative at home or in a care home but 34 per cent said that they visited their relatives once a week. However 12 per cent (one in 10) said that it has been a year, or they can’t remember the last time they visited. Often the pressures of modern life were cited as the main interference with visitation plans – 68 per cent said busy schedules with work and children as well as household chores and personal commitments had been the cause for a cancelled or delayed visit.

The use of modern technology however, may also be a reason for a lack of personal visits. With 41 per cent of those surveyed stating that they have set older relatives up with email or Skype, and almost a third (27 per cent) said they had purchased a mobile phone for an older relative.

Despite this, there was awareness amongst those asked of how important visits to older relatives are, with 44 per cent stating that they would feel lonely, sad and unloved if their relatives did not make the effort to see them in old age. Futhermore 60 per cent said they would expect their relatives to visit them regularly and 44 per cent said once a week!

Grandmother and broadcaster Gloria Hunniford said: “I think it’s vital that family members visit and keep in touch with older relatives. Family is everything. Life is so fast and busy; I know it can be difficult for families to make the time, but even meeting up for lunch or a cup of tea and a chat with relatives who are retired or in a care home can make all the difference. “I see my sons and grandchildren a lot, but as they grow older and become teenagers, their lives become busier, so it’s important that I tap into their lives and make the time we have together enjoyable.”