Depression, Self-Harm, Suicidal Thoughts Plagued Elderly in Lockdowns, COVID-19 Inquiry Hears

Lockdowns led to ‘neglect, self-harm, suicidal ideation, malnutrition, and substance misuse at home,’ according to the director of Age UK.

Care home resident Dot Hendy holds her daughter Louise's hand for the first time since March after Louise successfully passed a Rapid COVID-19 Test immediately before meeting her mother at the King Charles Court Care Home, Falmouth, England, on Nov. 18, 2020. Hugh Hastings/Getty Images

Pandemic lockdowns led to depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts among the elderly, the COVID-19 Inquiry heard on Thursday.

Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, told the inquiry that the charity had to offer new training for some of its helpline staff on “how to cope with people who are ringing up in great distress,” and “that only happened during and after the pandemic.”