Preventing Loneliness
Age UK campaigns to end older people’s loneliness
In Notts over 27,000 people feel trapped in their own home, with half saying the TV is their main company, while around 40,000 people only see family and friends less than once a week.
Rushcliffe wants people to show support by pledging to help in any way they can.
Loneliness can be as damaging to an older person as smoking, drinking, being overweight and not taking enough exercise.
People can help in many ways including talking to older people, arranging a coffee morning, doing someone’s shopping and stopping for a cup of tea afterwards or visiting a housebound person.
Pledging
You can make your pledge at Age UK Notts or use a pledge card from Rushcliffe Community Contact Centre in West Bridgford, Council contact points, or Age UK shops.
How we help older people included?
We run many services and give lots of help to older people to keep them safe, healthy and happy. Our staff visit or talk to residents every day and we know that for some older people this contact is the only time that they talk to anyone that day, so we work hard to give help and support.
Adapting your home
Disabled Facilities Grants help people adapt their home so they feel happier and more secure. The adaptations help elderly residents to get safely out of their home so that they can go out and meet their friends. The Council helps to fund the Handy Person Adaptation service, which is run by the County Council. It gives help and support to keep people safe in their home with low cost adaptations.
Bin collections
Both our normal and assisted bin collections for those with particular physical needs provide an opportunity for staff to chat to older people. Many people who receive this often comment on our staff’s politeness and help they give. Some residents with particular health needs produce waste that needs special medical collection, and this service is another opportunity for staff to talk with and keep an eye on residents.
Home Alarm Service
We provide a Home Alarm Service to older people providing a crucial lifeline with 24 hour emergency support. All customers receive a home visit and this also provides an opportunity for staff to signpost to other services where needed.
Housing Choices
We fund Rushcliffe Community Voluntary Service (RCVS) to provide advice to older people on staying warm in their homes or, where necessary, accessing appropriate housing.
Community Facilities
Through our own facilities, we provide a range of activities for older people to be social and stay fit including Zumba Gold, Tai Chi, Local History and Horticultural Clubs and Move and Mingle.
The Council also provides support for the 50+ Forum in West Bridgford and Asian Elders Club.