A care company has launched a campaign to recruit more care assistants to help tackle loneliness and isolation in Bath and the Somer Valley.

A study conducted by Age UK showed that many older people feel that both their physical and mental health has deteriorated over the last couple of years, along with a reduced number of opportunities to socialise.

According to the study, many older people have experienced loneliness, low mood, increased pain and a lack of support. This in turn has affected their appetite and diet, causing malnutrition and self-neglect. It also showed that one in five found that their memory and cognitive ability had decreased.

Christina Maria Trevenio-Steiner, director of Radfield Home Care in Bath, Keynsham and Radstock, said: “Older people are going to need more support than ever before to get through this winter.

“In recent years there has been an increase in the number of older people that have experienced loneliness and isolation. As a care provider it is often our care assistants who offer companionship and a friendly face for our customers who otherwise would spend a lot of time on their own.

“By increasing the number of care assistants we employ, we can look at what further support we can offer our customers and help reduce the number of those who are experiencing loneliness and a decline in health.”

Chairwoman of Bath and North East Somerset Council, Cllr Karen Walker, visited the Radfield Home Care offices in Oddown, Bath, on Saturday, November 16, to support the launch of the new recruitment campaign.

She said: “Older people are going to need more support than ever before during the colder months, so I welcome Radfield Home Care’s campaign to recruitment more care assistants this winter.

“Care providers, and the care workers they employ, are often the backbone in our local communities that go out in all weathers to support some of our area’s oldest and most vulnerable.

“I hope lots of residents take up Radfield Home Care’s invitation and get in touch about the job opportunities they can provide.”

People who would like to know more about working for Radfield Home Care and how they csn support older, vulnerable people in the community can get in touch by calling 01225 956 427, emailing [email protected] or visiting their website at www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk.