Abolishing resident wardens causes loneliness

Resident wardens were their friends and were people upon whom they could rely. Some elderly people have no relatives and are, more or less, prisoners in their own homes.  Many elderly people are vulnerable and in need of support and compassion and yet an important lifeline and source of companionship is being eradicated with the loss of resident wardens. The replacement visiting wardens are run off their feet and have no time to sit and listen to the person they are visiting. It is a case of “Good morning, are you alright? See you tomorrow, bye,” and that is it.

I mean no disrespect to these wardens and realise that this is all that time allows but it is a less than adequate service when compared to the previous warden service.  I have now learned that the warden service is being removed altogether and people will not even get the few minutes afforded to them by the visiting wardens.  

I would suggest that these so called caring councillors go into solitary confinement for a month. They must remain indoors and see only one person for five minutes a day. How long before they start feeling depressed and think no one cares whether they live or die? A day feels like a year and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Loneliness is like an illness, it creeps upon people and eventually destroys them. Remember, no man is an island, yet many elderly people will feel like castaways once the warden service is removed.

I urge those responsible for the eradication of the warden service to remember that in the past these vulnerable, socially isolated and elderly people have contributed towards your salaries and you owe them. I do not mean money, I mean compassion and care.

JM Smith (Octogenarian, ex-nurse and former resident warden)