Laura Sharman 10 November 2022

Survey of care workers reveals 'staggering epidemic' of loneliness

Survey of care workers reveals staggering epidemic of loneliness image
Image: Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com

Nearly half a million (485,000) vulnerable and elderly people only have social contact with their care worker, a new survey has found.

The survey of care workers, commissioned by Newcross Healthcare, found 49% had at least one patient whose only regular social contact is them.

A quarter of care workers also warned their patients cannot afford to turn their heating on, with 23% saying they cannot afford the correct food or nutrition.

Co-founder & COO of Newcross Healthcare and nurse, Michelle Gorringe, said: 'Chronic understaffing means that care visits are shortened or do not happen making the situation worst. As a society, we don't recognise the work social care workers do enough, and this just shows another element of the vital work they do for our vulnerable and elderly.

'Care workers are very special people who can transform someone's day with a touch or a smile.'

The survey also found more than a quarter (27%) of care workers are considering leaving the sector in the next 12 months.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Debtors and Collection Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 5 £26,403 - 28,598 p.a. Pro rata
This is an exciting opportunity in an ever-changing revenues environment where you will continue to learn and develop your skills and experience with Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,800 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Sessional Lecturers

Durham County Council
Unqualified Teachers 1 - 6, £22,601 - £35,259 pro rata to hours worked
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Sessional Lecturers to join Durham County Council’s Adult Learning service - DurhamLearn, delivering a wide ran Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Public Health Consultant

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
£81,347 - £90,305
This is a great opportunity to join our Public Health at Tameside MBC. Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Housing Strategy and Development Manager

Mansfield District Council
£50,269 - £54,495 per annum
Mansfield is a town of towns at the centre of things in Nottinghamshire Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Mansfield District Council
Linkedin Banner