Human beings inherently crave social connections, as they play a vital role in our survival and well-being. However, the elderly spend a lot of time alone, making them susceptible to social isolation and loneliness. These feelings, in turn, can contribute to various health issues such as cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease.
Research indicates that during the Christmas season, nearly a million older individuals experience heightened loneliness, intensifying emotions associated with loss, bereavement, and isolation. In the UK, more than half of individuals aged 75 and above live alone, lacking the companionship of nearby family members.
As of 2022, the population of individuals residing in care homes in the United Kingdom totalled 408,371. Notably, England had the highest share of this population compared to other regions in the UK, with over 360 thousand people living in care homes within the country during the same year.
Aum Care is one such homecare unit in the UK, helping people to live a happier, fuller life. The organisation’s CEO, Pranav Vora spoke to Asian Voice about how the care home celebrates Christmas to make it a special memory.
During the Christmas season, how does your homecare create a festive and inclusive atmosphere to ensure that service users feel a sense of belonging and warmth?
Each service user in the homecare brings their unique story, tradition, and culture. Our mission is to honour each of these stories. We create an atmosphere that acknowledges and celebrates every individual's Christmas tradition, from the grandest to the humblest, the shared joy of indulging in their favourite Christmas movies or songs, or the sense of belonging fostered with a Christmas meal of their choice.
Loneliness can be heightened during the holidays. What specific initiatives or activities are in place to address this and promote social engagement among service users?
Even simple actions such as a phone call or a handwritten note can make a significant difference. The power of human connection should never be underestimated, especially when combating loneliness. This holiday season, our organisations plan to be more than just service providers, we can offer companion support to celebrate this festive season by arranging indoor games/activities specific to the interest of the service user, accompanying the service user for Christmas shopping or organising a trip to their favourite restaurant or visiting a place of worship of their choice.
In what ways do you personalise Christmas celebrations to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of service users, considering that everyone may have unique traditions or cultural backgrounds?
We are in the era of personalisation, where each individual's needs and preferences are paramount. When it comes to Christmas celebrations, this principle is no different. We encourage them to share their unique traditions, cherished practices, and cultural backgrounds. This not only fosters a sense of belonging, but also makes the celebration truly inclusive.
Are there specific efforts made to involve families and loved ones in the Christmas festivities, recognizing the importance of maintaining connections with service users' support networks?
Families and loved ones are the pillars of our support networks. Their involvement in the festivities of Christmas is not merely about sharing joy, but it also fortifies the connections that sustain us. Imagine Christmas celebrations where families and loved ones are not only guests, but an integral part of the festivities, where they're involved in planning, executing, and enjoying the celebrations. Such involvement wouldn't just make the season more joyful, it would also create a sense of unity and belonging that transcends the holiday season.
