COMPANIONSHIP is key to a healthy life but more needs to be done to reduce loneliness amongst the elderly in Wrexham according to research carried out by an in-home care provider.

Home Instead Senior Care surveyed more than 2,000 over 65s with 9 in 10 stating that regular companionship would help them to stay mentally and physically healthy for longer.

Despite this, it was revealed that many older people felt lonely with over a quarter of over 65s saying they spent 8 hours alone daily, with almost half (49%) of over 85s facing at least ten hours a day alone. Now the home care company is urging the public to take action to help older people in the community feel less lonely.

Matthew Murray James, owner of Home Instead Senior Care, said: "It is quite easy for older people to feel lonely, overlooked and unimportant, but it is our job to make older people feel a part of our community.

"Whether you invite an elderly neighbour over for a cup of tea, pop into their home for a chat or invite to take them to a local café once a month, it is actually these small, kind gestures that mean so much to people who feel lonely and alone."

The survey also revealed that 81% of older people in the local area want to live at home so as to not lose their independence.

The home care company this month launched a television campaign to highlight how care at home works, as well as highlighting the rewarding role of working in care.

Home Instead’s service is personal and tailored to the needs of each individual. It’s a unique proposition that centres around visiting clients for a minimum of one hour at a time and matching them to caregivers who have common interests.

There is a shortage of caregivers in our society at the moment and Home Instead Senior Care recruits people of every age, regardless of employment background; basing hiring decisions on an applicant’s passion for care rather than experience.

If you would like to make a difference in the lives of older people or to find out more about the work of Home Instead Senior Care, call 01978 660423 or visit

https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/wrexham-flintshire.