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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Preventing Social Isolation and Loneliness Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that {{org_field_name}} actively prevents social isolation and loneliness among the people we support. Social isolation can significantly affect a person’s mental and physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. This policy sets out structured interventions to reduce loneliness, promote inclusion, and maintain meaningful social connections.

This policy ensures that:

• Proactive measures are in place to reduce loneliness and social exclusion.
• Care is person-centred, ensuring that social needs are assessed and addressed.
• Staff are trained and supported to recognise and reduce social isolation.
• People we support are encouraged and supported to engage in social, cultural, and recreational activities.
• CQC compliance is met by ensuring well-being, person-centred care, and safeguarding principles are followed.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All employees, including carers, activity coordinators, managers, and volunteers.
• People we support, ensuring their social and emotional needs are met.
• Family members and visitors, ensuring they are included in the person’s well-being plan.
• Community organisations and local services, ensuring external opportunities for engagement are available.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

This policy aligns with:

CQC Regulations (Health and Social Care Act 2008, Regulated Activities Regulations 2014)

• Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care) – Ensures care planning includes social and emotional well-being​.
• Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect) – Requires that people we support are treated with respect and supported to maintain relationships​.
• Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment) – Recognises that loneliness and depression can affect overall health​.
• Regulation 13 (Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment) – Ensures individuals are protected from the emotional harm of isolation​.
• Regulation 17 (Good Governance) – Ensures systems are in place to monitor well-being and social engagement​.

Other Relevant Laws and Guidance

• The Care Act 2014 – Requires care providers to promote well-being, including participation in society.
• The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Ensures social engagement is supported in line with individual choice and best interests.
• The Equality Act 2010 – Ensures all people we support have equal access to social inclusion opportunities.
• NICE Guidelines on Mental Well-being and Older Adults – Provides best practices for social engagement and reducing loneliness.

4. Identifying Social Isolation and Loneliness

{{org_field_name}} recognises that social isolation may be caused by:

• Physical health limitations, reducing mobility or independence.
• Cognitive impairments, such as dementia, affecting social interaction.
• Hearing or speech difficulties, making communication harder.
• Loss of family or friends, leading to grief and emotional withdrawal.
• Cultural or language barriers, limiting social engagement.
• Past trauma or mental health conditions, causing reluctance to socialise.

4.1. Recognising Signs of Social Isolation

Staff are trained to identify early signs of social isolation, which may include:

• Reduced participation in activities or social interactions.
• Expressing feelings of loneliness or sadness.
• Loss of appetite or changes in sleep patterns.
• Becoming withdrawn, anxious, or irritable.
• Refusing visits or contact with family and friends.

5. Preventing Social Isolation: Proactive Measures

5.1. Person-Centred Social Care Planning

• All care plans must include an assessment of social needs and preferences.
• Staff must regularly review engagement levels and adjust plans accordingly.
• Personalised activity plans must be developed, considering hobbies, interests, and past experiences.

5.2. Promoting Social Interaction in the Care Home

• Daily group activities such as arts, music, exercise, and reminiscence therapy.
• Encouraging communal dining, reducing the likelihood of eating alone.
• Themed events and cultural celebrations, promoting inclusivity and engagement.
• Buddy systems, pairing new people with those who have similar interests.
• Intergenerational activities, involving local schools, colleges, and community groups.

5.3. Facilitating Family and Friend Engagement

• Flexible visiting hours to accommodate family and friends.
• Video calls and telephone support, ensuring connections with loved ones.
• Encouraging letter writing or social media use, where appropriate.
• Family involvement in care planning and activities.

5.4. Enabling Community Participation

• Supported outings to parks, cafés, libraries, and places of worship.
• Volunteering opportunities for those who wish to remain active in the community.
• Partnerships with local charities, clubs, and faith groups.
• Inviting guest speakers, musicians, and entertainers to engage with the care home.

6. Specialised Support for High-Risk Individuals

6.1. Supporting Individuals with Dementia or Cognitive Impairment

• Specialist activity sessions that promote cognitive stimulation.
• Sensory gardens and memory cafés, creating calming social environments.
• One-to-one engagement, for those who find group settings overwhelming.

6.2. Supporting Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones

• Bereavement support groups or access to counselling services.
• Encouraging remembrance activities, such as memory books or photo albums.
• Companionship visits, ensuring regular emotional support.

6.3. Supporting Individuals with Physical Disabilities

• Adapted activities, ensuring inclusion for those with mobility impairments.
• Use of assistive technology, such as speech-to-text devices.
• One-to-one companionship support, ensuring equal social opportunities.

7. Training and Staff Responsibilities

All staff must:

• Complete training on social isolation prevention and engagement techniques.
• Encourage meaningful conversations and actively listen to individuals’ social needs.
• Regularly monitor and document engagement levels.
• Support individuals in making choices about how they wish to socialise.

8. Monitoring and Compliance

8.1. Regular Reviews and Feedback

• Social engagement plans must be reviewed monthly, ensuring effectiveness.
• Feedback from people we support and families must be gathered through surveys and meetings.
• Incident reports must be reviewed for any concerns related to social isolation.

8.2. CQC Compliance Audits

• Activity schedules and participation records will be audited to ensure engagement.
• Staff training compliance will be monitored through supervision records.
• Quality assurance checks will ensure that social care plans are being followed.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read alongside:

• CH09 – Person-Centred Care Policy​.
• CH10 – Visiting and Accompanying Policy​.
• CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy​.
• CH27 – Staff Training and Development Policy​.
• CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy​.

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if:

• CQC regulations are updated.
• Feedback from staff or individuals suggests changes are needed.

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Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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