Two million people over the age of 75 live alone, new figures show. Loneliness can have a serious detrimental effect on both mental and physical health.
But Mirror Care, based in Newport Pagnell, is tackling a complex issue with a very simple solution.
Mirror Care provides a 24/7 operator service for vulnerable and elderly adults that allows them to stay in their own home, maintain their independence and to live the way in which they choose.
By means of a mirror TV screen, they can talk to operators who in turn ensure that they are in good health, anticipate any problems and offer regular communication to combat loneliness.
Mirror Care chief executive Alan Mallyon says the aim is simple: to ultimately save on care costs, to be able to identify and react swiftly to any potential problems and to be readily accessible for their clients.
Operators can, for example, provide a prompt for medication or remind clients of appointments, all of which can have a significant impact on the individuals well-being if missed, Mr Mallyon said.
- Pictured: Mirror care chief executive Alan Mallyon (right) and MP Mark Lancaster.
Milton Keynes North MP Mark Lancaster has praised the service after visiting the firm at the invitation of Mr Mallyon. Mr Lancaster said: “I was very impressed with Mirror Care’s model and their commitment to offer a new concept for our elderly communities. Finding a solution to assist in the well-being of a loved one has to be a positive.”
In January, the government recognised the scale of the loneliness issue by appointing Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch as Minister for Loneliness.
She is working with businesses, charities and the Commission for Loneliness, a project set up by the murdered MP Jo Cox, to develop a government strategy to tackle the issue.
