Isolation of the elderly: the State takes new measures

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in France, the elderly have never been so isolated. Even inside nursing homes, where the virus has sometimes spread at high speed, elderly residents are placed in solitary confinement, alone in their rooms. The Covid-19, which makes them particularly vulnerable, has reinforced their loneliness, depriving them of family visits and community life in dedicated spaces. Insofar as the government advises elderly people living at home to remain confined as much as possible as a security measure after May 11, the Ministry of Solidarity and Health has published a press release in which it announces a series of measures.

Difficult to keep in touch with the elderly. Visio aperitifs and other uses of social networks have made it possible to maintain social ties, but are more complicated to use with our elders. A survey carried out in 2017 by the CSA Institute for the association The Little Brothers of the Poor, revealed that 32% of people over the age of 60 “had no one to talk to about personal matters” and 22% did not have regular contact with their family. The confinement reinforced this observation.

Relaunch the link locally

Also, the national toll-free number (0800 130 000) set up since the start of confinement can connect isolated people with the “Red Cross at home” platform. It is also possible to contact the Red Cross directly at 09 70 28 30 00, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. It aims to provide a listening and psychological support device for the elderly and isolated people in general.

A supportive concierge service will be set up, with home delivery of basic necessities. In general, the ministry recalls the importance of regularly phoning the elderly people around you.

On the other hand, “the initiatives and tools available in the fight against isolation” will be listed on a dedicated portal, fed by the project leaders themselves: rompre-isolation-aines.gouv.fr

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