Many of us are concerned about isolated seniors – NRK Vestland

Half a year after the corona pandemic closed the country, many continue to live isolated lives.

A survey that Opinion has prepared for the Red Cross tells us that half of us are concerned that older relatives are not doing so well right now due to the corona pandemic.

– It affects the quality of life, because we are a social being and we need contact to feel good, says Eva Marie Halvorsen from the Red Cross Visiting Service.

– a kink

In a nursing home in Førde, 92-year-old Kirsti Ramstad is finally able to receive visiting friends, after several months without her. Although she has had contact with her family, she believes that the past six months have been an additional strain.

– It has broken a little, because I have not gone out that much.

Liv Randi Åbrekk Glasø is a visiting friend from the Red Cross. She realizes that they are doing important work.

– There is a change in every day and something to look forward to. It is joy to spread out and joy to return, she says.

Red Cross: Serious message

During the corona pandemic, several hospitals have interpreted infection control rules too strictly, the Red Cross said earlier this fall. This particularly affects hospital residents who have no family or other relatives, and some have not had visitors for many months.

Eva Marie Halvorsen from Visitor Service is concerned about the consequences this will have for quality of life and health and hopes that lonely people can be better followed in the future.

– Everyone needs to have contact with someone. If there are more closures, we should know that there was no focus on this. Both family members and volunteers are absolutely crucial in the work for the elderly in Norway.

She says that they have been in high demand from people who want to visit and that many relatives also get in touch.

– We know that many feel isolated, and then we have this feeling of loneliness. This is also something that others can also feel.

Halvorsen is not surprised by what the survey shows.

– That is what we live, it is a serious message that we must take seriously.

Give 60 million crowns

Also in government, this is an issue they have on the agenda. When the Minister of Children and Families, Kjell Ingolf Ropstad (KrF), visited Fagerborghjemmet in Oslo on Saturday, he was able to say that the government in the state budget for 2021 will spend NOK 60 million to work against loneliness and isolation among the elderly during the corona pandemic.

– Despite strict infection control measures, there are many activities that can be performed. But it will be an extra burden and will cost more money for institutions and municipalities. That is why we want to make it easier for more people to contribute through these schemes, Ropstad told Vårt Land when visiting Fagerborghjemmet.

Grateful for the visit

At home with Kirsti Ramstad, 92, visiting friend Liv Randi Åbrekk Glasø shows good training and stretching exercises.

– Now it is important to start over with what we did in the past. We are in demand and the elders want us to return.

Ramstad greatly appreciated the visit.

– You get bored when you don’t leave the room. It’s very nice to have a visit, she says.