Families should stop elderly loved ones becoming lonely

FAMILIES could do more to improve care of the elderly and prevent them becoming lonely, the head of the NHS said.

Simon Stevens said there were already 1.4 million unpaid carers – including relatives, neighbours and volunteers – the same number as paid Health Service employees.

But he added that family members had an important role to play in preventing elderly loved ones becoming isolated and helping them back on their feet.

He said: ‘Loneliness and isolation is a big concern for our parents’ generation. There’s no doubt the NHS benefits hugely from volunteers and carers but also from family members or neighbours.’

But he acknowledged that it wasn’t always easy for full-time workers to drop everything and care for ageing sick relatives recently discharged from hospital. He said: ‘If you’ve got a full-time job you can’t necessarily be there throughout the day. It’s part of answer but it’s not a silver bullet.’

The NHS is in the grips of a bed-blocking crisis with as many as 6,500 of the 100,000 hospital beds in England taken up by an older patient who doesn’t need to be there. They cannot be discharged as the necessary care has not been set up for them at home due to spending cuts.

This could include a handrail or chairlift not being installed, care visits arranged or a residential home place found.

Hospitals will be given a share of a £2 billion cash injection for social care to free up as many beds as possible.

The initiative was announced in the Budget earlier this month.