
How can I recognise problematic patterns of behaviour in everyday life?
Loneliness is often a gradual process that is not always noticeable in care contexts. In order to provide appropriate support as early as possible, it is important to pay attention to the behaviour of the person receiving care.
A sensitive approach is required! People receiving support should not feel that they are being watched or controlled - this damages the relationship of trust that is central to providing support.
People often don't want to admit that they feel lonely. This is because many have never learnt to admit weakness and talk about their feelings. Some have the impression that admitting it would only make their loneliness worse.
However, you may be able to recognise when loneliness is imminent based on small signs. Pay particular attention to whether ...
- Only catastrophes or negative headlines are reported. This could indicate that a lot of time is spent consuming media alone.
- When asked about former hobbies, the answer is always: "I don't do that any more."
- hardly anything new is said or people complain that they no longer hear anything from the outside world.
- people hardly pay any attention to their appearance, although they used to do so. This may indicate that contact with others is rare.
- avoid leaving their own home or express fears in this regard, e.g. of falling when travelling.

Summary
Behavioural patterns of people in care may indicate loneliness.
If the relationship of trust allows, conspicuous or questionable behaviour can also be addressed directly. Talking can help the person concerned to become aware of this themselves and can be a first step towards a joint change.
Some people are surprised, but possibly also grateful, when they are sensitively addressed about their behaviour, which they themselves may have been suffering from for some time.

Picture: Pezibaer (Pixabay)
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Behaviour can be ambiguous and emotional causes cannot always be clearly identified - sometimes not even for those affected. However, talking about the causes of behaviour as equals can create space for change, which can also reduce suffering from loneliness.
Remind yourself what you can look out for externally and what you could address:
