Loneliness is the first thing on Kirsty’s list of signs that someone needs support, and it often comes before everything else. The NHS says older people are particularly at risk if they live alone or do not have regular contact with others.
Signs to look out for
Age UK suggests watching for changes like these, especially after a big loss such as the death of a partner:
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Letting their routine slide
Getting up later, skipping meals, or days without much shape to them.
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Caring less about how they look
Or about washing and personal hygiene.
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Not eating properly
Skipping meals, or not eating as well as they used to.
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Talking themselves down
Saying they are a nuisance, or that nobody would want to see them.
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Giving up things they enjoyed
A club, a weekly coffee or a phone call they used to look forward to.
Gentle ways to help
Let them know you are there, without pushing. Age UK suggests that some people find it easier to talk while out on a walk, or by phone or text, than face to face.
The NHS suggests keeping in touch by phone or video call, joining a group, and inviting someone round, even for a short visit.
If low mood lasts more than a couple of weeks, the NHS suggests seeing the GP. GPs can also refer people to social prescribing, which connects them with local groups and activities.
Free friendship services
These national services are free. Age UK’s current wait for Telephone Friendship is about 8 to 10 weeks, so it is worth signing up early.
Age UK Telephone Friendship
A free weekly friendly call of about 30 minutes, for people over 60
The Silver Line
A free helpline for people aged 55 and over, open 24 hours a day, every day
Re-engage
Free monthly tea parties for people over 75, usually on a Sunday afternoon, with a volunteer driver, and regular calls from a call companion
Befriending near you
Each of our town pages also lists local cafés, clubs and groups.
Age Concern Sturminster Newton & North Dorset
Befriending for Sturminster Newton and the surrounding villages. Office open weekdays 9:30am to 1:30pm
Age UK North, South & West Dorset
Telephone befriending across North, South and West Dorset
Age UK Somerset Wellbeing Service
Home visits, friendly phone calls and walks for people over 60 who live alone. Not available in every area
How Aurora can help
Company is what most of our visits are built around. The same small team visits, so conversations carry on from one week to the next, and carers can take your parent to the clubs, coffee mornings and cafés that keep them part of the community.
In Bruton, Monica now has someone to talk to every day. In Mere, Sara says everyone who visits is “so kind and fun to be around”.
