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Thursday, 29 December 2005 12:42

BNN: British Nursing News Online · www.bnn-online.co.uk

“Thousands die alone”, report finds

A study by Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow has found that thousands of people die alone, uncared for and in poverty.

Figures from a survey of 182 English councils show around 60 people a week die alone without support from family and friends, with men two-and-a-half times more likely to die on their own than women.

The research found that the 182 councils carried out 11,004 funerals between 2000 and 2004 for people without friends or family to finance or make the arrangements. Almost three quarters (72 per cent) of these funerals were for men.

The report - Dying Alone: Assessing isolation, loneliness and poverty – said that although the figures only provided a “snapshot” of the situation across England, they revealed "a stark picture of isolation, loneliness and in many cases impoverishment".

Mr Burstow, a member of the Commons Health Committee, said: "These figures are a sobering reminder that thousands of older people across the country not only live, but also die alone, uncared for and often in poverty.

"Being cut off from friends, family and neighbours undermines all quality of life.

"It is an indictment of society that too many people are left to fade away, unable to make ends meet and lonely on the fringe of our communities.

"We all have a responsibility to look out and care for vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives, not just at this time of year."

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said there had been significant funding increases for social services and support schemes in recent years.

The spokesperson said: "We are doing a great deal to ensure the elderly receive the care and support they need to live safely in their own homes."

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