Support networks are springing up around the UK to help the significant number of older people who have chosen to self-isolate as a preventative measure against the coronavirus.

Age UK has changed its advice to the friends and families of older people, suggesting they should keep in contact by phone if the older person feels nervous about contracting the virus through personal contact.

In its latest advice, updated on Wednesday, the charity said it was important that older people felt supported without having their health endangered by exposure to the virus.

Caroline Abrahams, the charity director at Age UK, said: “The coronavirus outbreak is obviously a huge worry and looks likely to be challenging for our older population, so it is more important than ever to be vigilant and look out for older friends, neighbours and relatives to make sure they’re OK.”

In Oxford, a group of therapists are setting up a free, online clinic offering emotional and practical help for vulnerable, older people who have chosen to self-isolate. The Help Hub, comprising around 20 therapists, will offer free 10-minute sessions for residents across North Oxford via Skype, FaceTime or phone.

Blenheim Palace Estate is supporting the scheme with marketing, promotion and the building of a website, which can be expanded to other areas if it gets taken up more widely.

Ruth Chaloner, a therapist and founder of the service, said: “It’ll be both a practical and an emotional community service for those who are feeling isolated, scared, and panicked by the recent outbreak of Covid-19. This is the generation that fought a war and have a ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude. But you can dodge bombs in the war – you can’t dodge this virus and I don’t think this generation necessarily realises this.

“They think all they need to do is stay at home – and if they contract the disease, they’ll die and that’s inevitable. That’s not the case: if they’re staying at home, we can help them emotionally and practically,” she said.

Q&A How can I protect myself and others from the coronavirus outbreak? Show Hide The World Health Organization is recommending that people take simple precautions to reduce exposure to and transmission of the coronavirus, for which there is no specific cure or vaccine. The UN agency advises people to: Frequently wash their hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap

Cover their mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing

Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough

Seek early medical help if they have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share their travel history with healthcare providers

Advice about face masks varies. Wearing them while out and about may offer some protection against both spreading and catching the virus via coughs and sneezes, but it is not a cast-iron guarantee of protection Many countries are now enforcing or recommending curfews or lockdowns. Check with your local authorities for up-to-date information about the situation in your area. In the UK, NHS advice is that anyone with symptoms should stay at home for at least 7 days. If you live with other people, they should stay at home for at least 14 days, to avoid spreading the infection outside the home.

She said church volunteers, taxi drivers and other people might all be willing to get involved in supporting roles.

Therapists could talk through people’s concerns and signpost the more vulnerable members of the community towards help and services as they became available.

Some older people are worried about how long they might have to self-isolate for and whether it is enough protection. Monica Else is 72 and her husband, Roger, is 77. “My husband has almost no chance of surviving the coronavirus because his immune system and lung function are both compromised by chronic leukaemia,” she said. “Will he and I both have to isolate ourselves, perhaps for many months until a vaccine is developed?

“It is terrifying. My husband is vaccinated against the seasonal flu but has no defences at all against a viral pneumonia. How can he best be protected?

“I’m really dreading self-isolation but there may come a point, if the disease becomes widespread, when we have to. Online support groups will be vital: life will have to exist on the phone and online.”