New figures released by leading not-for-profit care provider Greensleeves Care show that nearly 1 in 2 adults in England (47%) increase the assistance they provide their older relatives during the colder months, with around 14% of those saying their support ‘significantly increases’.
The findings, from a survey conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Greensleeves Care, also reveal that 62% of adults are more concerned about the welfare of their older loved ones in the colder months compared to other times of the year.
The top areas of concern for families include health issues, loneliness, mobility, keeping warm, and safety. These worries are having a significant impact on individuals and families, with increased stress and anxiety, changes to routine, and effects on sleep being reported.
The figures come at a time which often sees a spike in enquiries to adult care providers like Greensleeves Care. The not-for-profit provider, which operates 27 residential, dementia and nursing care homes across England, saw a 27% increase in enquiries in the colder months in 2023 compared with the preceding period.
One family who experienced the benefits of moving their loved one into a Greensleeves Care home is Suzanne, whose mother lives with dementia. She says:
“Mum’s health was a special concern during winter. We struggled to get her to attend medical and flu vaccination appointments. Healthcare professionals would ring her up and she’d cancel often as she didn’t want to leave the house, or had forgotten. We were also concerned about the house. We’ve had to deal with burst pipes and heating issues in the past. It was quite stressful. Now I don’t have to worry about any house issues, and Mum doesn’t have to worry either. And I know that she’s up to date with all her vaccinations and she’s being kept safe and warm.”
In response to these findings, Greensleeves Care has launched a new campaign, Warmth of Care, to provide free information and support for families worried about their older loved ones this season. The campaign aims to help families identify changing support needs, approach the subject of care with loved ones, and make confident choices for the future.
Paul Newman, Chief Executive of Greensleeves Care, says:
“These new figures show clearly that many families worry about their loved ones more in winter and often increase their support, which can lead to them feeling stretched and overwhelmed. Our goal at Greensleeves Care is to ensure that more older people can access high-quality and person-centred care. This starts by helping them and their families identify the level of support they need, have successful conversations around care, and explore their options in good time. That is what our Warmth of Care campaign is all about.”
The Warmth of Care resources and support are available at www.greensleeves.org.uk/WarmthOfCare.
About the research:
The research for Greensleeves Care was carried out online by Opinion Matters from 22.12.2023 – 02.01.2024 among a panel resulting in 1686 nat rep 18+ responding. All research conducted adheres to the MRS Codes of Conduct (2010) in the UK and ICC/ESOMAR World Research Guidelines. Opinion Matters is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and is fully compliant with the Data Protection Act (1998).
About Greensleeves Care:
Greensleeves Care is a leading UK not-for-profit care home provider which offers award-winning person-centred residential, dementia and nursing care across 27 care homes. Named in the Top 20 care home groups in the country for six consecutive years, the organization is working to change the process of moving into a care home from a daunting decision to an empowering choice. This includes through its unique ‘Home for Life’ financial assurance and the satisfaction that care fees go in full towards delivering high-quality care and supporting a decades-long charitable mission.
Greensleeves Care family of homes:
East of England:
– Bedfordshire: Sharnbrook House, Bedford
– Cambridgeshire: Rose Cottage, Huntingdon; The Orchards, Ely
– Hertfordshire: Clarendon Lodge, Rickmansworth
– Norfolk: De Lucy House, Diss
– Suffolk: Broadlands, Oulton Broad; Harleston House, Lowestoft; Henley House, Ipswich
Greater London:
– Bromley: Queen Elizabeth House
– New Malden: Speirs House
– Tooting: The Meadowcroft
– Acton: Torkington House
– Barnes: Viera Gray House
South East:
– Berkshire: Buckler’s Lodge, Crowthorne; Glebelands, Wokingham; The Manor, Old Windsor
– Buckinghamshire: Tickford Abbey, Newport Pagnell
– East Sussex: Whitegates, Hastings
– Hampshire: Borovere, Alton
– Isle of Wight: The Briars, Sandown
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.