Staying Connected: How We Help Older People Thrive in Their Communities

Staying connected to life, to other people, and even to yourself is a vital contributor to wellbeing. Strong social connections can help reduce loneliness, boost confidence and independence, and even play a role in preventing or slowing the development of frailty (see more here).

At Home Instead, we support older people living at home across North Oxfordshire and South West Northamptonshire. A core part of what we do is helping our clients enjoy a richer quality of life — and staying socially connected is a big part of that.

For many of our clients, having a Care Professional alongside them makes it easier to stay linked with their local community. This might include:

• Getting out of the house regularly
• Attending local clubs, groups, or events
• Visiting places of interest, either locally or further afield

We also produce a helpful guide (see here) to local activities that may be of interest to older people, making it easier to discover what’s happening nearby.

One of the most meaningful initiatives we’ve introduced is our partnership with a local primary school. Each year, children aged 9–10 are paired with individual clients and write letters to them. All correspondence is carefully managed by us to ensure personal data is protected.

This project began in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many older people were isolated and alone. The letters offered companionship, encouragement, and a sense of connection during an incredibly difficult time. Many clients chose to write back and found real joy in the experience.

Because the feedback from both clients and pupils has been so positive, we have continued the programme each year, exploring different themes. For the children, it offers a valuable opportunity to practise letter‑writing skills and develop empathy by learning about the experiences of older generations.

One pupil wrote to a client with some heartfelt advice about coping with isolation during the pandemic:
“If you’re worried, I have some top tips for you — don’t worry, smile, and believe in yourself.”

Simple words — but they meant a lot.

Each month, we offer clients the opportunity to celebrate their birthday with a small gathering. We provide a birthday cake and encourage them to invite neighbours or friends. In some cases, these celebrations have grown into larger community gatherings.

Our hope is that these moments help clients feel valued, cared about, and connected — not only to us, but to the community around them. And of course, it’s always lovely to share a slice of cake and a smile.