Advocating Change for Older People
We’re the only UK based national organisation supporting independent advocacy services for older people.
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Did you hear the article on the Today programme on Radio 4 this morning about current life in care homes? There was a heartbreaking report on how a woman with dementia had declined, as her family had been unable to visit her in her care home due to coronavirus. Our hearts go out to all those affected in this awful way.😞
But here at Together, we also champion those who, for whatever reason, have no close family to visit them, help with their care, be their voice and light up their days.
Already 23% of our population are ageing without adult children in their lives. They may never have been parents; their children may have moved away; or for a variety of reasons, the adult children may not be the right people to help their parent as they age. Who will speak for these people?
The answer is independent advocates! We are here, when you need someone in your corner, to listen, support and assist you, so you can live your later life, in the way that is right for you!
Click on the link to learn more about volunteer independent advocates. And let's all enjoy later life together!😍
opaal.org.uk/
Here's a quick reminder to say that sometimes the really small things can make someone else's whole day!
So be brave and be kind everyone!
opaal.org.uk/
Were you affected when the legions of people aged over 70, who currently volunteer in our community were asked to stay at home recently? Whilst they left a gap that was very difficult to fill, it also shone a bright light on all that older people do to benefit our communities, and what the barriers might be for others wanting to offer their time, skills and experience to benefit others! Here's a few words from Colette, one of our volunteers, about her recent experiences volunteering in her local hospital during the pandemic and what she has learned about older people and volunteering!
opaal.org.uk/volunteering-in-later-life/
It's raining here at Together HQ today☔️! If it's also raining where you are, you may be forgiven for thinking that today is not the type of day that would lead to an older person in your life becoming dehydrated. But actually, older people are at risk of not getting enough fluids every day and here's why!
💧 Memory problems can cause older adults to forget to drink regularly, or forget to ask others for something to drink.
💧Issues or fear of urinary continence can make older adults reluctant to drink as much as they need to.
💧 Mobility concerns can make it harder for older adults to get something to drink and perhaps carry a drink to a preferred spot to enjoy it.
💧 Sometimes, access to fluids depends on the availability and attentiveness of helpers or staff.
There's a really easy way to tell if a person is on the edge of dehydration - although this is not scientific in any way - if you can persuade them to drink something and then, after 10 minutes or so they "perk up", you know that beforehand they were not getting enough fluids!
So try this exercise with the older person in your life - after all, it's a great excuse to take time out of our busy lives for a lovely cuppa! ☕️😊❤️
If you are worried that an older person's needs are not being met, then volunteer independent advocates can help. Click on the link to find our more about independent advocacy for older people.
opaal.org.uk/