The role of technology in combatting social isolation

While we have the tools to be more connected than ever, the risk of social isolation, particularly for older people and those living independently has not gone away. Ireland has one of the fastest-growing aging populations, and while the 2025 case study The Loneliest Nation in Europe highlights that factors such as a younger age profile and rurality influence loneliness levels, we cannot overlook the impact loneliness has on older people living independently.

At HaloCare, we believe that technology has a powerful role to play in bridging the gap between independence and connection and using technology to help stay connected doesn’t have to come at the cost of losing the human connection.

What is social isolation?

Social isolation is the lack of social connections or regular interaction with others, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and reduced emotional and physical well-being.

Social isolation has been linked to increased risks of cognitive decline and other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Older adults, especially those who may be less mobile or managing chronic illnesses, could be particularly vulnerable to social isolation.

That’s where technology steps in, not to replace human connection, but to enhance and enable us to reach more people living independently.

HaloCare’s Approach: Technology without losing the human touch

HaloCare prioritises both the physical safety and mental wellbeing of our clients, recognising that for a Care at Home solution that empowers individuals, it’s important to have a blend of the two elements, all without losing the element of human touch.

Keeping clients safe at home includes putting practical measures in place including Appliance management, long-lie detection and panic buttons throughout the home, but HaloCare’s Care at home solution doesn’t stop there. We explore how the HaloPad and the Comfort Call help keep clients connected from the comfort of home.

The Comfort Call: A Friendly Voice When It Matters Most

Comfort Calls are scheduled check-ins carried out by our Care Hub team at a time decided by our clients. They can be carried out on the HaloPad or on the phone, whatever the client feels most comfortable with. The calls are informal and non-clinical; our Care Hub team are warm and approachable, ensuring that the check-in feels natural and creates an environment where a meaningful human connection can be made.

In a recent interview with Mary Murphy, HaloCare’s Chief People Officer she reiterates the importance of the Comfort Call and how those relationships that the Care Hub build with clients are vital for mental wellbeing.

For clients who live alone and could go several days without speaking to someone, a Comfort Call can be the only opportunity they have for connection. Also, for families that have parents living on their own, the Comfort Call can bring the Circle of Care peace of mind that someone is checking in on their loved one whenever they are at work or cannot be there.

The HaloPad: Technology That Feels Personal

The HaloPad has several key elements that include:

• Appointment Management: Clients can use the HaloPad to easily schedule and manage health appointments with the HaloPad Calendar feature. This provides one singular place where clients can see their upcoming appointments at a glance.
• Local News & Radio: Clients can use their HaloPad to access local news, radio and entertainment within the HaloPad without any complex additional features. This means the client can get to their content easily, making it a more enjoyable experience.
• Personalised Content: HaloPad offers content that's personalised, including exercise classes that are suitable for all levels of physical fitness.

With the HaloPad, users can easily contact the HaloCare team, connect with family members via video call or voice call, and share photos easily within the HaloPad Device. The HaloPad has a built-in ‘trusted contact’ feature, this means that only those who have been added to the HaloPad will be able to interact with the client, greatly reducing the risk of spams or scams. This means that the client can stay connected with confidence, and using the HaloPad daily will become an enjoyable experience.

The role of technology in combating social isolation

Technology will never replace the warmth of a face-to-face visit, but when used thoughtfully, it can be a powerful method of helping to keep people connected. At HaloCare, we’re proud to lead the way in using innovation to bring people together, one call and one connection at a time.

If you’d like to learn more about how HaloCare works, get in touch with a member of our team today.