Sarah Loveless, a member of Solicitors for the Elderly, offers some practical suggestions to help older relatives, friends and neighbours at this difficult time. To contact Sarah direct, please email her, or call 01225 755656. |
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Keep in touch
It is really important at these difficult times to make sure we are staying in contact with older relatives, friends or neighbours to check in with them and make sure they are ok; whether this is via telephone conversations or more modern approaches such as Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom.
Offering to help out if they need anything or just having a chat may really make their day.
Practical help
Many people in the UK are self-isolating or are too worried to go out due to the risk of infection. Therefore, offering to help with any shopping or picking up prescriptions can be a real help. If you are delivering shopping to others, please be sensible in doing so by leaving items on their doorstep and making sure you stay at least 2 metres apart at all times.
Even if they live further away, making it harder to help, do explore all options with them to see if there is any way you can help them from afar.
Show you care
Even the smallest gesture can mean a lot to many people, helping to lift their spirits during these strange times. Why not get creative and post a small gift, send a postcard or write a letter to help cheer somebody up?
Telephone numbers to share
It can be helpful to know who you can call, especially if someone feels isolated.
For practical information and advice, call Age UK on 0800 169 65 65.
For a cheerful chat day or night, call Silver Line on 0800 470 80 90.
