Balhousie Care homes open their doors to the lonely this Christmas

Balhousie Care Group, Scotland's leading provider of residential care, is opening its doors to people who face spending Christmas Day alone.

Care home managers are liaising with local authorities to identify members of the community who face a lonely festive season and could benefit from some companionship this Christmas Day. The invitations are going out, via social workers, for people to share Christmas dinner and join in festivities at Balhousie Care Group's 25 care homes across the north east of Scotland.

With a presence in five regions of Scotland and strong community contacts, Balhousie Care Group is in a prime position to extend the hand of friendship this festive season, said Operations Director Louise Barnett. She said:

"So many people, particularly the elderly, spend the festive season feeling isolated, with only a TV for company. We're in the business of caring, and all 25 of our care homes already have close community partnerships. So it makes sense for us to open our doors to those who don't have family or friends to be with this Christmas Day. Our care home managers across Scotland are liaising with their local authorities to identify those who may be feeling isolated, and invite them in."

The move comes among reports of a worldwide "epidemic" of loneliness, which is affecting our health. In Scotland, the problem is particularly serious among the elderly, says the charity Age Scotland. Recent research showed that 60,000 older Scots will spend Christmas Day alone, an increase of 50% on two years ago.

The award-winning Balhousie Care Group put social issues such as loneliness and homelessness firmly on its agenda during 2017, and has plans to ramp up its charity and community initiatives in 2018. The Group, which supports Alzheimer Scotland and Social Bite, among others, recently raised almost £16,000 by taking part in the outdoor Sleep in the Park event for homelessness.

To find out more about Balhousie Care Group visit www.balhousiecare.co.uk

For more on Age Scotland's research click here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/latest-news/around-60000-older-scots-will-spend-christmas-day-alone/

To enquire about visiting a Care Home on Christmas Day call 01738 254254.