The government has announced that everyone over the age of 70 could be asked to self-isolate at home for up to four months in a bid to shield them from the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. 

In addition other groups of vulnerable people – such as those with underlying health conditions – are also being asked to “socially distance” themselves by staying at home for long periods and having minimal interaction with other people. 

Although these measures may be medically necessary, charities have warned that to do so will have an impact in terms of mental health and increased loneliness – particularly for the elderly. 

Research done by the Campaign to End Loneliness found half a million older people already experience protracted periods of isolation (at least five or six days without seeing anyone) and say this will only compound the issue.

Other charities that work with vulnerable groups like the homeless, have called on the prime minister to acknowledge the special needs of these groups and give additional help, resources and recourse to funds. 

But are there steps that the general population can take to help the elderly and other vulnerable groups within their community?

Make sure your elderly and vulnerable neighbours have everything they need

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, tells The Independent: “There are some simple steps we can all take that will make a huge difference in, what may prove to be, some difficult weeks and months ahead.”

First and foremost, Abrahams recommends making sure those around you – neighbours or elderly family members – have everything they need while they are unable to leave the house. “Picking up some shopping, prescriptions or running errands could be a major help,” she says. This will also ensure they are less likely to take risks and leave the house themselves.

A spokesperson from the Campaign to End Loneliness, adds: “You could use an app like Nextdoor to see if your neighbours need assistance. If you’re worried about transmitting the virus, you can leave bags on the doorstep.”

Or you can take a tip from Becky Wass in Falmouth, Cornwall, who created a postcard to stick through the doors of her neighbours asking if they needed any help with shopping, having a phone call or picking up deliveries elsewhere.

Encourage digital methods of communication 

Although the government rules may mean less face-to-face interaction with people, it is crucial this doesn’t mean we socially disconnect. 

Abrahams says this is particularly important for older people who may be less savvy with technology. “It is also time to think creatively about ways for people to stay in contact with each other and keep morale up,” she says. “Now it is more important than ever to stay in touch over the phone, online or by post.”

Other than the usual routes of communication, Abrahams recommends trying things like a neighbourly book club dial-in. “It might turn out that some of these options turn out to be a good way to nip loneliness in the bud in the long-term as well,” she says. “What’s crucial is finding ways to keep people informed and in contact in a way that is low risk.”

The Campaign to End Loneliness also recommends using Whatsapp groups to share regular updates, or making video calls on Zoom as well as posting on Facebook, Twitter and other social media if you know that older people nearby or relatives are using it. “Offer help to install and use apps if needed,” they add.

Encourage activity and movement

Abrahams says the risk to elderly people of staying indoors isn’t just about their mental health, but also a reduction in movement and activity, which can be detrimental to their physical wellbeing too. She says: “Doing what we can to encourage older people to stay physically active at home will be essential. 

“This could mean making sure people have what they need to keep going with their hobbies and interests, for example items that can help with hobbies, like wool if they are knitters.”

Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, recommends telling people to interact with nature where possible – this might invove continuing to tend to any houseplants and window boxes or opening a window to watch the birds.

Volunteer your time if possible 

As the outbreak continues, those who are not required to totally self-isolate (the under 70s, those without underlying health conditions, and those without coronavirus symptoms) might be looking for ways to physically help. 

One group looking for such volunteers is the National Care Force. Originally set up as a way to match qualified healthcare workers to care homes who needed staff, the platform is now looking for anyone across the UK who wants to donate their time to helping others.

You can sign up to help with various activities including dropping off shopping, delivery driving and cooking lunch for people. You don’t need a DBS check to qualify and can apply to undergo one at a later date. While your check is pending you can help with other tasks.

Charles Armitage, who runs the NCF tells The Independent they had over 5,000 people sign up in just one day after launching.

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, has also encouraged people to volunteer at food banks if they have the time to do so, as they struggle to stay open with dwindling volunteer numbers. “Wide-ranging conversations are underway with national partners, exploring how we can help boost volunteer numbers in areas where extra volunteers may be needed at this time,” she says.

Donate food and sanitary products

Despite a massive uptick in panic-buying at supermarkets and shops – which has seen big names like Sainsbury’s and Asda introduce rationing – food banks say they have seen a decline in donations and as a result are unable to keep up with demand in the coming weeks.

Revie says although they haven’t heard of any food bank in the Trussell Trust network completely running out of food, they do need assistance. “Food banks sometimes run low on certain items,” she says. “We encourage everyone to carry on donating after checking with their local food bank which items are most needed.”

You can check online for which items are most needed at your local food bank. 

Donate what you can to charity shops

It’s not just food banks that need help with donations. Yesterday, Gemma Sherrington, executive director of fundraising at Save the Children, told The Independent that the closure of high street charity shops was a “realistic possibility” due to problems with funding, volunteers and donations. 

Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Donations are vital to charities such as the British Heart Foundation. 

“Without this generosity, we wouldn’t be able to fund life saving heart and circulatory disease research that helps millions of people every year. There’s no doubt that during these unprecedented times there will be changes to consumer habits, and as such we are monitoring the situation closely.”

You can also donate to charities from home, if you are self-isolating: you can use websites like Local Giving or go on the government volunteering website to find local charities near you that need your help.

Do not spread panic online

Now we will all be spending more time online and communicating digitally, so it is more important than ever to keep in perspective the information we are sharing and messages we are putting out. 

The Campaign to End Loneliness says: “When using social media be mindful that this may be a frightening and isolating time for many. Be kind. Offer help and advice where you can. Try not to spread unfounded rumours that may cause upset or panic.”

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