Plea to check on elderly neighbours over Christmas

Shropshire Council says many older people may find themselves on their own for the first time this year due to the loss of a loved one, or they may have families who do not live nearby.

The current campaign by Age UK, 'No one should have no one at Christmas', highlights more than a million older people have not spoken to a friend, neighbour or family member for a month.

The council suggests that people can help by letting their elderly neighbours know they are available to help them, checking on prescriptions and food supplies, and talking to them about the importance of keeping warm.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for health, and chairman of Shropshire's Health and Well-being Board, said: "The festive season is usually a time for celebration for many families, but for too many older people it can reinforce feelings of loneliness and loss. This can not only make you feel miserable, but can also have an impact on your physical and mental health too.

"We can all play an important role in ensuring older people feel valued and included, and taking the time to call in and check on them when they possibly most need help can make all the difference.

"It can also potentially help to prevent serious health issues affecting them."

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for adult services, added: "Winter can be a very challenging time for our must vulnerable residents, and it really saddens me to think there are elderly citizens in Shropshire who will be alone and vulnerable during this time of year.

"We can all play a part and become a good neighbour to the elderly people in our communities. If you have elderly people living close to you, it's better to be overly concerned and make sure that everything is okay than it is to realise that an elderly neighbour may have been ill or injured in their home and unable to contact anyone.

"I know everyone is so busy preparing for the forthcoming festivities. But please spare a thought for our elderly residents and be a good neighbour."