Local authorities urged to do more to reduce loneliness in older people

A ‘strategic approach’ has been published by the Campaign to End Loneliness, which targets local councils and advises on how effective interventions to help at-risk adults can be achieved.

Acknowledging multiple reasons for loneliness and isolation occurring, that can often be complex and deeply personal, the campaign group offers a formula for reaching, understanding and then supporting vulnerable individuals, while urging councils to consider the long-term impact an effective strategy can have on health and social care costs.

Janet Morrison, chief executive of Independent Age, and also one of the founding members of the campaign, says:

“The physical and mental health consequences of loneliness for older people must not be underestimated and we support the call on local authorities to take more action in preventing and reducing loneliness. We welcome the new guidance for local authorities and in particular the reminder that there are real benefits for councils in tackling isolation and loneliness. Not only are there potential savings for health and social care services but lonely and isolated people are valuable members of their communities, with skills and knowledge to share.”

Speaking at the campaign’s launch, Public Health England director of well-being and mental health, Gregor Henderson, spoke of the need for activists and government to work together, saying, “The Government isn’t always quite sure what to do next and a lot of the steps the Government will have to do next they can’t do on their own. They need other partners and they need to do it in collaboration, and in partnerships that are mutually reinforcing and trusting.”

He also commented on the task of meeting this challenge in the current financial climate, saying, “Money is tight, it’s never been tighter and we need to find better more integrated ways to spend our money wisely,’ that will mean establishing a “balance between downstream acute treatment, which of course is vital, but more investment in upstream prevention. So when we talk about health and well-being we need to talk about social determinants, not the amount of beds in acute district hospitals.”

Davina Ludlow, director of carehome.co.uk, comments: “It’s truly upsetting that so many older people lead such lonely lives.

“What we need is for local authorities to take responsibility for all vulnerable older people within their community, by raising awareness of how beneficial care home settings can be when it comes to tackling loneliness and isolation.

“The vast majority of care homes provide fantastic provision, in warm and friendly communities. Every single person has a right to have someone caring for them, and the opportunity to interact with others.”

The Guidance, which includes case studies and in-depth analysis on how local authorities can effectively approach the setting up of a ‘loneliness framework’, can be read in full at http://campaigntoendloneliness.org/guidance/