Reducing older people’s loneliness while staying at home

We are offering support by phoning every tenant over 70 years old, as well as tenants who are vulnerable, to try to reduce their loneliness during this uncertain time.

30 of our staff have managed to get in touch with 1,000 tenants so far, to check that they’re ok and to help them in any way they can.

As a result of Coronavirus, social distancing, self-isolation, and the government’s guidelines could mean that older people, especially individuals who live by themselves aren’t seeing or having a chat with anyone at the moment. This could cause older people to feel lonely, isolated and depressed.

Many organisations and agencies must adapt and change their way of working as a result of Coronavirus. As a result, we have organised for our staff to get in touch with tenants who are older than 70 years old, or vulnerable, to have a friendly and supportive chat with them.

Sarah Schofield, Customers and Communities Director here at Adra said:

“We are a housing association with a clear focus on our tenants, customers and communities. Our community values are so important to us and a commitment we take seriously.

“While facing this challenging time we need to have innovative solutions to meet the needs of our most vulnerable tenants. I’m proud to see our staff continuing to support our tenants, although in a different way, due to unprecedented circumstances.”

Our Tenancy Support Officers also keep in touch regularly with our most vulnerable tenants by offering a chat over the phone, seeing how they can be of help and making arrangements for them, as well as offering a listening ear, during this challenging time.

For more information on how we are dealing with Coronavirus, and the support available for tenants, as well as more information about community services, visit our Coronavirus page, by clicking on the yellow banner at the top of this page.