Age UK offers practical ways for Oxfordshire residents to help older people

During this unsettling time, it's vital to keep in mind those who need us the most.

Here are some of the ways you can help your older relatives, friends and neighbours, whether with practical stuff like their shopping, or keeping their spirits up at a time things feel challenging.

Here are five tips for making their lives easier during this difficult time.

1. Keep in touch

- Phone your older relatives and friends and ask if they need anything and let them know if they do, you can help out. And while you’re on the phone, why don’t you have a chat?

- You could set up a rota with other family and friends to make sure someone is regularly giving them a ring to see if they’re OK.

- This might also be a useful time to introduce older relatives and friends to technology that might prove helpful during this period, such as Skype or FaceTime.

2. Lend a hand

- If you’re feeling well, why not offer to pick up shopping for an older neighbour or relative who might not be able to or is too worried to go to the shops?

- If you are helping someone who is self-isolating make sure you leave the shopping on their front doorstep, knock on their door and step back while you ensure they safely receive it. Make sure you stand 2 metres away from them at all times.

3. Show you care

Why not make homemade cards (which is a great project to do with the kids), send a postcard, even post small gifts to keep people’s spirits up or just write a good old-fashioned letter to an older friend or relative?

4. Share these numbers

- For practical information and advice, call Age UK Advice: 0800 169 65 65

- For a cheerful chat, day or night, call Silver Line: 0800 470 80 90

- Please note: as this is a very busy time, if you've contacted Age UK's telephone befriending service, it may take a bit longer for us to match you up with a befriender.

5. Donate now

- Demand for Age UK services has increased rapidly. Age UK needs to raise £10 million to help keep its information and advice and friendship services running.

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