Helpline makes lonely OAP’s life ‘bearable’
Dementia sufferer helped by city charity
AN elderly woman battling dementia and lockdown loneliness has told how a telephone befriending service run by a Glasgow charity has made her ‘life bearable’.
More than 3500 older people across the city have received a regular call from Glasgow’s Golden Generation volunteers over the past two months, proving comfort and assistance with food or medicine deliveries.
With social distancing restrictions in place it has not been possible for staff to visit the elderly in their own homes and the service has been moved to video and telephone support.
The charity, which runs three day centres, says lockdown had been particularly difficult for older adults with dementia who live alone, due to the lack of social interaction and routine.
It told how one woman, who has dementia and has used the service, said: “My lockdown days are bearable now that I have a friendly, familiar befriender keeping in touch and access to the basics I need.”
Karen Moyes, volunteer engagement manager, said: “We have seen a huge amount of interest in the service, with a team of staff and volunteers making 3500 befriending calls since lockdown began.
“While the pandemic means this support is now via phone and video, it continues to make a huge difference to older adults in Glasgow.
“The befriending service has been crucial in supporting older adults living with dementia at this time, especially where service users don’t have family or friends nearby.
“The service can seamlessly link in with the charity’s day centres which are providing parcels of food to older adults in their homes, meaning service users can access the essential items they need.
“This gives peace of mind to families and carers who are not able to drop off essentials and also means that service users don’t need to visit busy supermarkets where queues and social distancing rules can be overwhelming.”
Meanwhile, the charity Alzheimer Scotland used Dementia Awareness Week to renew its call for free care for people with advanced forms of the disease.
A motion was lodged in parliament by Labour’s Monica Lennon in support of the campaign.
Henry Simmons, chief executive of the charity, said: “I suspect that many members of the public might not know that, even at the present time, many people with advanced dementia fighting coronavirus in a care home will still have to pay for their care.
“If we ever needed a reason to stop this inequality, coronavirus is it.
“Reforming this system must be the bedrock of our recovery, and it should start now.”
Glasgow’s Golden Generation is currently recruiting volunteer befrienders.
If you are interested, get in touch with the charity on 0141 221 9924 or by sending an email to mailbox@glasgowgg.org.
This support continues to make a huge difference to older adults