Timely intervention proves vitally important for older people

Age UK Cheshire East, the older persons charity which operates specifically across Cheshire East, continues to support many older people at this difficult time, despite dwindling resources.

To respond to the Coronavirus pandemic, the charity has focused all its attention on supporting people who need support and who may be isolated in their homes.  As well as continuing its invaluable Help at Home service, it has developed a new Covid19 support line, supporting vulnerable older people by contacting them on a regular basis to see that they have everything they need at this difficult time.

The real value of this service was highlighted this week when John, who lives alone, was contacted for a welfare check. The first chat identified that he would welcome a regular welfare call, just to help him through these difficult times.  On making a further call, it became clear that John was suffering from significant health issues, and after seeking permission from him, an ambulance was called.  As a result, John spent two days in Macclesfield Hospital, after which he was discharged with a full support package including carers regularly visiting him in his own home.

Age UK Cheshire East made arrangements with a local supplier for an urgent food delivery for when John arrived home and also made arrangements for subsequent food deliveries to ensure John had all the necessary supplies he needed. The Charity continue to make regular wellbeing calls to John, giving him the comfort of a friendly and reassuring voice at the end of the phone.

Damon Taylor, Chief Executive of Age UK Cheshire East commented “This is just one example of the valuable work we are currently doing for the older people of Cheshire East, across the towns of Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Congleton and Poynton and surrounding villages. Without the initial call from us, John’s wellbeing could have been severely compromised. We know, from talking to the older people, that they really welcome our calls, and as well as providing a friendly voice at the other end of the phone, it also enables us to put in place any support they made need, just like we did for John”

Damon concluded “If anyone needs to access our support, they can do so by calling us on 01625 612958. All of this work is being done against the backdrop of a significant reduction in our income, now that all our shops have had to close. To help us continue this valuable work, we are calling on the people of Cheshire East to consider our emergency funding appeal, which can be accessed on our website at https://ageukcheshireeast.charitycheckout.co.uk/donate#!/

Age UK Cheshire East is the premier older persons charity operating in Macclesfield, Knutsford, Wilmslow, Poynton, Congleton and surrounding areas.  Our bespoke services are provided from our head office in Macclesfield and we support older people exclusively in the Cheshire East area.

Age UK Cheshire East’s mission is to ‘improve later life for people in Cheshire East’. In 2018, it celebrated its 30^th anniversary, having provided help and support to many thousands of older people in Cheshire East since its formation back in 1988.

Age UK Cheshire East provides services and support to older people throughout the Cheshire East area and campaigns to achieve positive change. We believe poverty, isolation and loneliness, poor services, inadequate care and support, discrimination and a lack of respect are unacceptable.

For more information, please contact Age UK Cheshire East on 01625 612958, go to www.ageukce.org or visit us at the office – New Horizon’s Centre, Henderson Street, Macclesfield, SK11 6RA.

The photo shows Hazel Salter, a member of staff at Age UK Cheshire East, making welfare calls this week.