From Our Home To Yours
From Our Home To Yours.
“The heart-breaking research from Age Scotland and its sister charity, Age UK, released figures that more than 105,000 older people in Scotland expect to feel lonely this Christmas.” (Anderson, 2021)
Christmas can be the most magical time of the year. Families spending precious time together, watching loved ones open gifts and enjoying extravagant meals with all the trimmings and bubbles. It should be a time filled with love and laughter. However for many, this same festive period can be the loneliest of them all.
Many elderly individuals within our communities are isolated and lonely and the pandemic has escalated this further. Many individuals now find themselves too scared to leave the house or engage with others – this is the sad reality we currently face.
Our care homes play a major role within each community that they are situated within and for this, we recognise our role in supporting people in their time of need. This year, Renaissance care has several activities and events planned to help tackle isolation.
International connections
Renaissance care is working with several care homes from around the world to create and promote conversations and aid loneliness. On the 15th December, care homes from New Zealand, Scotland, Australia and Japan will join zoom calls for residents to share Christmas carols, joy and cheer. This concept brings culture, diversity and conversation to residents who don’t often get many visitors. This will help create memorable moments and build personal connections for all involved.
Christmas social events
We are so glad that we are able to welcome loved ones into our homes on Christmas Day to enjoy a festive meal with residents. Following current government guidance, we will once again be in the position to open our doors to spouses and loved ones, who would alternatively be on their own this year, to join in with festive celebrations and Christmas dinner. We are also fortunate that loved ones will be joining us throughout the month to join social celebrations and festive activities. Engaging with loved ones is truly at the heart of Renaissance Care’s values and culture and we recognise the significant impact on resident wellbeing such meaningful contact has.
Despite our efforts, we recognise that not everyone within our communities will be as fortunate this year – with many individuals still spending Christmas alone. To help combat loneliness, we encourage you to reach out to elderly family members or neighbours. A friendly chat and a smile could go so much further than you could imagine.
Digital interaction and video calls (where possible) are an excellent resource in staying connected while remaining apart – with Age UK offering several online resources to help older individuals navigate the digital world. (By researching initiatives such as Postcards of Kindness, you could also reach individuals further afield, sparking conversations and intergenerational learning.)
This festive period show kindness, be together, laugh together, and support one another.
From our home to yours x
Resources
If you are worried about a relative or individual who may be spending Christmas alone, please contact Age Scotland’s free and confidential advice line: 0800 12 44 222
For enquiries relating to one of our 16 care homes, or to find out more about the work of Renaissance Care, please Contact Us.
Anderson, D., 2021. More than 70,000 pensioners will spend this Christmas alone. [online] HeraldScotland. Available at: <https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/19753354.heartbreak-70-000-pensioners-will-spend-christmas-alone/> [Accessed 2 December 2021].
