Help Reduce Loneliness with Age Well East this November

Posted on 06 Nov 2024 by Emily Atkinson-Dalton
Growing old is a privilege they all hope to experience, yet the joys of retirement are all too often overshadowed by issues such as loneliness, ill-health, dementia, immobility and financial difficulties. That’s where Age Well East come in - the charity working to help people, most of whom are aged over the age of 60 and over, to enjoy their lives free from common worries such as finances and loneliness. Find out more about Age Well East below and cast your free vote for them today!

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Age Well East – Their Story


Here at Age Well East, we’ve spent the past 74 years offering life-changing free-to-access services to reduce the burden of all these issues, enabling their clients (who are mostly aged 60 and over) to enjoy the winter of their years.

They cover the county of Essex (excluding Southend), including Tendring, which has the highest proportion of deprived households among all local authorities in England and Wales.

Collectively, their wraparound community services successfully combat poverty and health inequalities, social isolation, loneliness, and declines in emotional wellbeing at early intervention points.

 

How Age Well East Helps: Joan's Story


When Joan first walked through the green door at Age Well East, she didn’t really know what she was coming in for. Joan only knew that she was at the end of her tether. When Joan’s husband George was first diagnosed with dementia, she assumed they would cope. He could be a bit forgetful, and he didn’t like to go out as much as hethemed to, but it was nothing they couldn’t get through together.

Over time, George’s condition worsened; he was more likely to get anxious, he was more easily distracted, and he experienced mood variations. Joan still loved her husband of 35 years dearly, but she was struggling to keep up with everything she wanted to do for him, and the responsibility was taking a toll on her own mental and physical health.

It was at this point that Liz from their Information Hub first met Joan, who had come to Age Well East as she felt she had nowhere else to turn. While the conversation itself helped Joan feel like a huge weight had been lifted, Liz was also able to offer real practical support across a range of issues.

First up, she was referred to their dementia service who are specialists in offering bespoke advice on a whole range of topics, from activities that can help reduce the likelihood of sundowning (irritable and sometimes challenging behaviour) in dementia patients to tips on the most suitable adaptations and technology for the home. Joan was advised on accessing carers’ support and a care needs assessment to help her look after her husband. She was referred to the advice team who were able to help Joan access attendance allowance, council tax reductions and find out if her husband was eligible for a hidden disabilities blue badge. Joan was also signposted towards their various dementia-focused groups and activities that offer opportunities for socialising, dancing, and games with other people who are in a similar situation.

Over an hour’s conversation, Joan’s view of her situation had changed from devastating and impossible to manageable and hopeful. “It is such a comfort to know that you are here,” is something that they hear from their clients on a regular basis.

They know all too well that the support they offer can mean everything to those in need.

 

Why They Need Your Vote


Growing old is a privilege they all hope to experience, yet they know that a staggering 1 in 2 ofthem will be affected by dementia in their lifetime, either through experiencing the disease ourselves or caring for someone with it.

We’ve been running their dementia service since 2020, and we’re more than aware of the earth-shattering impact a diagnosis of dementia can have on a family. Their clients often tellthem of the plans they were making before their diagnosis; plans to retire, travel more often, spend time on hobbies and with loved ones. They know how devastating it can be for those well-deserved plans to be tarnished by the unwelcome intruder into life that is dementia.

And yet they also know that their services offer a lifeline, vital glimmers of hope, as well as practical advice, emotional support, and even moments of fun and laughter, (as those who join in with the singing and dancing at their lively dementia cafes can attest!).

They know from their 74 years of experience as an organisation focused solely on the health and wellbeing of older people around North East Essex, that feeling informed, connected and included makes the world of difference to members of their community who are in their later years. 

They're proud to keep adapting and evolving their services to meet the changing needs of their society.

 

Vote Today for Age Well East


You can vote for Age Well East now at https://www.discountpromocodes.co.uk/! The poll will be open between 1st November 2024 and 30th November 2024. Get your votes in now and don’t forget to share the poll with friends and family.

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