Social isolation and care at home

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health guidance has advised physical distancing as a protection from the virus. A major side effect of this has been a loss of those things we take for granted, such as social interaction, connection and support. Some 500 people in the UK responded to a homeworker survey after 2 weeks of lockdown, where 20% described themselves as lonely and isolated (Bevan et al, 2020). Being socially connected in meaningful ways is important to health and survival and is a determinant of wellbeing and longevity; the impact of loneliness on mortality is similar to moderate smoking (Holt-Lunstad et al, 2010). In addition, poor mental and physical health can contribute negatively to quality-of-life outcomes (Luo et al, 2012). Xai and Li (2018) also reported that social relationships can be preventative for heart disease, and Hawkley et al (2010) found an association between loneliness and high blood pressure.