What Is A Befriending Service?
A befriending service is when a volunteer or carer visits a person at home to help tackle loneliness. According to Age UK “loneliness can have a significant impact on older people’s health and wellbeing.”
This service isn’t necessarily just used for the elderly, it can be used for individuals living with complex conditions or disabilities. Befriending services support people across the country and consist of carers or volunteers going to visit them at home for a chat, conducting video calls, taking them out into the community and providing care at home.
Ultimately, it is all about companionship.
Why Choose An Elderly Befriending Service?
Perhaps you need support with the laundry, washing the dishes or even changing the bedding. Or your loved ones may not be nearby and you need some companionship. Then an elderly befriending service may be a viable solution for you.
According to Age UK “1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely” and “older people can be at particular risk from loneliness because of a range of factors that become likely as we age, which can act to reduce the opportunity and ability to engage in meaningful conversations and interactions”
Age UK, further explains that reasons for loneliness can be due to the elderly being more likely to face bereavement, living on their own, or with a disability or illness that limits their mobility. It can have a huge impact on the older generation mentally and physically.
Furthermore, according to the Campaign to End Loneliness, “loneliness, living alone and poor social connections are as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day”. It can also “put individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia.” It has also been stated that half a million older people go at least five or six days a week without seeing or speaking to anyone at all.
So, it is important to ensure you have some sort of social connection to help with your mental upkeep. Whether that’s a phone call with a loved one, having someone visit you at home, or going into the community, it’s important to keep your mind active. After all, your mental well-being should be your number one priority. This is one of the many reasons why private home care companies like Helping Hands, have befriending services put in place, to combat issues like this.
Who Are Befriending Services For?
Befriending services can be for anyone who needs a bit of companionship or support at home. It is a service that is popular amongst the elderly and can be provided at home. Whether you need a hand with folding the laundry, taking the dog for a walk, cooking dinner or just someone to share memories with, you can opt for a befriending service from our exceptional Helping Hands team.
We have been delivering care since 1989 and have more than 160 branches across England and Wales. So, you can fully count on us.
Befriending Services At Home From Helping Hands
At Helping Hands we can provide you with a befriending service, so you won’t feel alone. We provide care at home on a visiting care or live in care basis, so whether you need someone to visit you a few times a week or stay with you throughout the day and night, we have got you covered.
All our home care services are personalised and tailored to your requirements. So, whether you need someone to keep you company over a cuppa, take you to the doctors or accompany you to walk the dog, our amazing carers will be by your side.
As we are fully regulated and monitored by the Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Wales, you can rest assured that you’ll receive the very best care, you deserve.
If you would like more information on our befriending services, contact our friendly care team. They are available seven days a week. Or you can request a callback and we will call you at a time that suits you.