Domiciliary visits a ‘lifeline’ for isolated

Specsavers Home Visits’ research revealed that optometrists domiciliary care is considered ‘a lifeline’ for the isolated elderly population.

Research of 1,400 retired people found that 62% believed people visiting was a lifeline when they were feeling secluded in the summer, with 27% feeling disconnected when loved ones’ social schedules ramp up and have less time to visit.

Katie James, Home Visits Gwent director and optometrist, said: ‘Hopefully, this research goes some way to highlighting a hidden problem, and readers will use this as a reminder to pick up the phone or visit an older relative who might be hiding their feelings of loneliness.