Many UK charities assist the elderly in living independently. They provide regular extra income, grants for emergencies, equipment to promote independence and support for volunteers.
They provide assistance to older individuals by connecting them with nursing and residential care as well as community support to maintain their independence at home. Furthermore, they may provide heating appliances, fuel and bedding.
Friends of the Elderly
Friends of the Elderly provides care homes, day care centres and a grants service for older people living on low incomes across England. Furthermore, they strive to prevent fuel poverty with their Winter Comfort Fund initiative.
They assist older people in living well, by offering assistance with daily tasks like shopping and dog-walking. Furthermore, they offer social groups and community activities for seniors living in isolated parts of the UK.
The charity relies on a network of volunteers who are able to provide one-on-one assistance to older people in need. These may be befrienders, visitors or drivers.
Elderly people often require assistance with everyday household tasks and practical jobs like shopping, dog walking and delivering meals. Volunteers can offer these jobs to an elderly person as well as companionship or transport them to activities, doctor’s appointments, the library or faith services.
Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity that assists elderly individuals to live more independently and enjoy an enriching life. It strives to promote wellbeing and reduce loneliness.
Their advice services cover topics such as health, care and money. To access them, there’s a phone line, leaflets and an extensive network of volunteers.
They also run a weekly flutter lottery to raise funds. All proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the charity, providing vital advice and support to older people throughout the UK.
For those wanting to support older people, there are numerous volunteer opportunities. These can range from providing a simple telephone “buddy” to regular home visits or day centre helpers.
There are also a number of charities that advocate for improved legislation to guarantee seniors the rights they deserve. These include Justice in Aging, Pension Rights Center and National Council on Aging.
Age UK
Age UK is a national charity that collaborates with several partners such as Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI to help everyone make the most of later life, no matter their situation.
Age UK provides companionship, advice and support to over 7 million older people throughout England. Furthermore, it conducts research and campaigns on issues that matter most to these individuals.
Age UK is calling on the Chancellor to use the Spring Budget to help 2.6 million older people in England access care. Doing so will guarantee more people can live with dignity and receive essential assistance.
Age UK also runs Age Co, a commercial arm that sells products and services tailored to older adults while giving back profits to the charity. These include Car Insurance, Home Insurance, Financial Services and Funeral Plans as well as Independent Living solutions such as Stairlifts and Bathing Solutions.
British Red Cross
Since 1870, The British Red Cross has been aiding senior citizens in the UK. It belongs to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and provides first aid around the world; being involved in many major disasters as well.
The society provides a variety of specialised services, such as therapeutic care. Here, volunteers give patients massages of their head, neck, shoulders and hands to relax them and promote better wellbeing – particularly during stressful times.
This specialized international service is provided by most national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world. Initially founded to aid refugees during wartime, it has since been extended to anyone who has lost contact with their family or simply wishes to send a message.
The British Red Cross has a proud legacy of supporting the elderly and vulnerable in the UK, providing food, medicines, cash assistance and emotional support to those in need. During this latest outbreak of coronavirus, they have seen an especially high demand for their services – necessitating thousands of extra volunteers.