With the UK currently on lockdown for the foreseeable future, more and more of our older population are facing long periods of time being isolated, with no direct contact from friends, family members or carers. It is a frightening and difficult time for many, especially those who need help to stay independent or for those who are already at risk of becoming lonely.
Although a period of lockdown is essential to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus, it's also important to remember that a great number of older people are already dealing with multiple difficulties, such as unmet care needs, chronic ill health, disability and loneliness and that being separated from those close to them, will only exacerbate these challenges.
Age UK has recently launched a £10 million Emergency Coronavirus Appeal so that they can support even more people through the hard times they may be facing. The Charity is providing crucial provisions such as free advice and information guides, a telephone befriending service to help combat loneliness and isolation as well as funding local Age UKs so that they can provide support among local communities.
PPP Taking Care, who provide 24/7 Personal Alarm services to people in the UK and provide the Age UK Personal Alarm service, are acutely aware of the difficulties the older population are currently facing and are looking for ways to offer as much support as possible to those who are struggling.
“We speak to around 30,000 older people every month who use our alarm service to get help, because of this we know first hand the challenges that they are facing during the current UK lockdown. It is our aim to provide as much support to as many older people as possible during these unprecedented times” – Steve Gates, Managing Director at PPP Taking Care.
One of the ways that the Personal Alarm provider is seeking to help is by donating £100,000 to Age UK, so it can be there for older people who desperately need its support during this unprecedented health emergency. Demand for Age UK’s vital services has increased rapidly during this health crisis - this donation will help the Charity to keep their Information & Advice and friendship services running and help local Age UKs provide practical support in their communities.
“PPP Taking Care recognises the great importance of the work Age UK are doing and wish to help them support the UK’s older population at a time when they need it the most and this charitable contribution is our way of playing our part during these very challenging times.”
Laurie Boult, Fundraising Director at Age UK, said: “Thank you so much to PPP Taking Care for their thoughtful support during this exceptionally challenging time. This is a period of great anxiety for everyone, but especially for older people and their loved ones. Age UK is determined to be there for older people who need our help and especially for those who have no one else to turn to in this time of crisis. Thank you for making sure we can respond to the growing needs and unprecedented demand we’re seeing.”
Demand for Age UK’s vital services has increased rapidly during this unprecedented health emergency. Help Age UK keep their Information & Advice and friendship services running and help local Age UKs provide practical support in their communities by donating at: www.ageuk.org.uk/coronaappeal
To find out more about technology like the Age UK Personal Alarm, and how it helps people live independently in their own home, while also giving reassurance to their families visit: https://taking.care/
