Visiting those living alone

Visit a relative or friend living alone as self isolation can seem like solitary confinement - a punishment! This can be mutually exclusive in order to contain number of contacts. Good for mental wellbeing.

Why the contribution is important

We will see a rise in depression and anxiety amongst younger people. FaceTime good but there is less emotional connection.

by innesmichie on May 05, 2020 at 03:40PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.8
Based on: 75 votes

Comments

  • Posted by swangoose May 05, 2020 at 15:43

    Very much needed. My wife and I have many elderly friends living alone who need visiting.

  • Posted by LBarr May 05, 2020 at 15:47

    So important for those fully isolated to have human contact face to face. Maintaining social distance rules but allowing for a few people to be in each other’s company for short periods of time to improve mental health.

  • Posted by Ossian May 05, 2020 at 15:48

    Completely agree

  • Posted by ronniegraham May 05, 2020 at 16:03

    A substantial number of those living alone will be elderly and their ability to go out and join an outside bubble may well be limited. Provided their accommodation is suitable there seems no reason why their bubble should not meet in their home applying the social distancing rules.For a start this could be a small number of relatives.

  • Posted by lindyloo May 05, 2020 at 16:46

    So important. My mum lives on her own over 200 miles away. Me and my son were meant to visit her in the holidays, we couldn't go. She was devastated. She has seen two of her friends on her doorstep and she has seen another one in passing in the supermarket. She's physically fit and healthy but I am extremely worried about her mental health.

  • Posted by Jane May 05, 2020 at 17:01

    This would be a very positive step - for those at home out with the shielded category. With Diligent application of the guidance and maybe 1 visitor at a time a sure this could be safely managed.

  • Posted by deenubder May 05, 2020 at 19:13

    This is highly important. The focus to date has been on families (and couples). There are a high number of people living alone; of all ages; who have not had much or any contact with others. The impact includes loneliness, anxiety, distress, sadness, growing fear (of being alone, being ill alone, dying alone). A first step would be to allow visits or meetings in small close 'bubbles' (max 5 or 8); initially within close proximity of their homes.

  • Posted by FionaCookAnderson May 05, 2020 at 19:52

    My Mum In Law lives on her own, despite being very fit and able and is extremely upset not having any physical contact with us. It is a very long day for her without my Father In Law whom passed away 2 years ago. Thank goodness for FaceTime.

  • Posted by mg68 May 05, 2020 at 20:31

    Totally agree, it's common sense!

  • Posted by Rhondamae May 05, 2020 at 21:39

    Absolutely essential. If someone is vulnerable then you social distance within the house and wear a face covering to protect them.

  • Posted by murrayme8 May 05, 2020 at 23:37

    It is important that people can get a visit from a career or immediate family for there own mental health as long as they have been tested

  • Posted by OldDeuteronomy May 06, 2020 at 02:41

    Crucial.

  • Posted by Djalaodbdld May 06, 2020 at 02:49

    I have to agree. Allowing people to add one or two other households to their bubble would really help everyone. Even if to start with this has to be as outside gatherings. Many countries have plans for this including Ireland and Guernsey has already allowed people to increase their bubble to include another household. Especially where one of the households only includes one person the increased risk would be minimal.

  • Posted by MargaretR19 May 06, 2020 at 08:12

    Agree with safe measures in place. We as individuals need to take responsibility for this

  • Posted by Rachael May 06, 2020 at 23:34

    This would be so welcome. I’m 25 and live alone, and I’ve found this whole experience horrific and isolation. My mental health has really taken a dive as I’m usually incredibly social but I haven’t had a meaningful interaction with another person for weeks. Additionally I’m stuck separately from my partner of 5 years, which is further adding to my distress. I know there will be many others with a similar situation to mine and I feel like we’re being forgotten a little bit - especially those of us who aren’t particularly old.

  • Posted by Jfmack May 10, 2020 at 09:46

    Essential.people living alone have been forgotten.

  • Posted by as1 May 11, 2020 at 19:35

    100% agree with this idea. It should be a top priority to help those living alone to avoid complete isolation.
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