Stop isolation this Christmas
By Jayne Warren - 20/12/2007
It is heartbreaking to realise that over one million older people will face Christmas Day alone and isolated this year - and three-quarters of those are almost always alone and lonely for the rest of the year as well.
Isolation in old age can be caused by a number of things - loss of income and pitiful pension allowance, fear of crime and dark nights, poor health or the death of a partner. In fact some 150,000 older people never go out of the house, nearly half a million never see their friends, and over three quarters of a million older people feel out of touch with the world. And that grinding isolation also contributes to depression, ill health and premature death among older people.
A website called "one is the saddest number "(www.saddestnumber.org.uk) is trying to change this situation by providing a range of vital services to the lonely and isolated - and are asking people to help by donating small amounts.
The services include:
- SeniorLink, a telephone support service that connects older people to a response centre for emergencies, reassurance or just a chat. It works via a telephone unit, a neck pendant or wrist strap and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.
- SeniorMobility, which helps older people's groups and community transport projects to purchase vehicles and transport equipment. The service offers free specialist advice on buying a vehicle and financial help through price discounts and grants.
- HandyVan, which provides a free home security service for those aged over 60. HandyVan fitters can assess security and safety needs and fit locks and other items such as smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors. They will also secure an older person's home after a break-in.
- SeniorLine, a free confidential telephone service that provides expert advice for older people, their relatives and carers. SeniorLine delivers impartial information about welfare benefits, residential care, housing options and access to health and community services.
- The Regional Development Team, which provides hundreds of small grants to older people's groups, day centres and clubs. This year, the team will fund Christmas lunches and the Big Summer Picnic - a series of picnics, buffets and day trips across the UK.
A typical case story is George, who was in his 70s and had become disabled. His condition was so debilitating that he found it difficult to do anything but sit in a chair 24 hours a day, too frightened to go out in case he fell. As a result he became completely isolated. A HandyVan Fitter put George in touch with a local befriending scheme funded by Help the Aged, and now George has a volunteer who takes him out twice a week to the shops and the park. It was the first time he had been out of his house in five years. He calls the volunteer an 'Angel from God'.
So far the website as raised £8657. Donations can be made in the form or 'buying' a bauble to donate a virtual tree, with your own design and special message for a loved on or friend. Amounts can range from as little as £5 to £100.
With your help, they will reduce the number of older people who experience loneliness and isolation this Christmas.
Visit the website linked below now and help fight isolation among lonely older people this Christmas.