The Campaign To End Loneliness

This is a charity and a special one. They say that one in five elderly people feel lonely and have nobody they can turn to. One in five. That's a shocking statistic. Someone I know is looking for work... she has been doing so for some months now but cannot find anything suitable. Okay. How about drop in an older neighbour - check if they need something from the shops, the next time you go out to the shopping mall? 'It's a bit tricky isn't it? They might think I'm prying. They might think I'm being nosey or they can't be independent or they...or they?' No! Just bloomin' well ask. If they tell you to get the hell outta there, then you've asked. You might have upset them temporarily but you asked. If they don't open the door to you because they don't know who you are, then fine, you tried. You ventured. I said you will have thought, do you know what? I read that report about one in five older people feeling lonely or having nobody to turn to and thought, I'll try to make a difference. I'll keep saying it until I'm blue in the face... maybe she'll get the message. http://www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk/ They do tea parties and my friend holds a few every year. But you can help in many many other ways. http://www.thesilverline.org.uk/ 9 out of 10 older people told researchers that “a chat on the phone” is the most helpful solution when they feel lonely.

Eczema cream

There are plenty of creams on and behind the counter at the pharmacy. I went into one in a large pharmacy store on a very busy high street. Queues of people were waiting to buy their fizzy drinks with sandwich at lunchtime. I was having a brief respite and decided to get all the boring chores done first before sitting down to watch the ducks swimming along on the pond. I held my toothpaste, bandages and lip salve. Why I need this in summer I don't know but what is it about lip balms and the like? We feel we need them. I realise now it's because I should just drink more water instead. And who cares that my lips are dry? Half a litre of water should alleviate that in no time. I digress. 'Oh and er Eczema Itch Relief cream please.' The assistant looked behind her. There were so many. 'Oh,' I say. I look behind me now... the queue is long and the people impatient. They only have an hour to buy lunch, find a random spot to eat it while sunbathing and eat said lunch. 'Erm, just give me that one... in fact I'll come back.' 'No, no. You have to get the right product. What kind of eczema is it?' 'I don't know. All I know is, it's bad...' 'Fine, you can try this it has....' she lists a lot of chemicals. I have mentioned this before but I can't say I am convinced by these the plethora of creams. I can count on one hand, the number which are genuinely useful. For eczema, ask your doctor what they recommend but try to avoid the steroid creams for older people. They thin the skin which is already quite thin anyway. Ask a pharmacist but also ask them to go for the cream with the least number of ingredients. I still believe coconut oil, sweet almond oil with a drop of lavender essential oil infused and aloe vera gel are all effective. But these can be helped along with the specialist creams. It feels as if it is a minefield. All this while the people you care for, with the problem are suffering. Seek advice and if you're very concerned, ask the GP to refer you or your loved one, to a specialist.

Scaffolding

Yes a snazzy title. But on the apartment block in which the people I care for, live, they are putting up scaffolding. And of course, they are plugging away early one morning when I walk through to the entrance. It's narrow and I can see that a pram could squeeze past but not a wheelchair or someone using a frame. So I shout up to one of the scaffolders, thinking I won't get a response or if I do, it will be a nonchalant 'yeah? what?' 'I say....' Of course, it doesn't quite come out like that. The lead scaffolder steps down the ladder and meets me. 'Look I don't think I can get a wheelchair through this narrow set of scaffold.' Silence. Oh no, I have mortally offended the chap. 'Yeah, I see your point. I'll have to do it again. I think he called the chap standing next to him Ron but I was in such shock that he agreed with me, I forget now. 'Well the thing is, I could squeeze it past but...' What am I doing? I'm self sabotaging the whole situation!!! 'No, no no. It's all got to be done. It's a legal requirement. Glad you told me on day one instead of three weeks in when I've put the whole thing up around the building.' Well yes quite. 'I'll sort it out. Don't worry.' He walks off, talking to Ron, or whatever his name is. I walk through the entry door. A day later, one of the residents complains about the scaffolders singing while they work. 'I can't say a bad word against them. They re jigged their scaffolding to fit wheelchairs or walking frames through. They're saints in my opinion.' Said resident wasn't too pleased. If we just ask, we sometimes get results! And thank our lucky stars for that. I know a few carers who would have said something but I also know a few who would have remained quiet. Don't worry about offending anyone, just ask. All they can say is no. And if they do, let's move on.

Eddie Izzard on TV

His report for Unicef highlighted that people are suffering in the Middle East region... refugees are fleeing from Yemen and they need to raise funds for these people. Water, food and medicines in blistering heat. http://www.unicef.org.uk/Donate/

Channel Four Television Dispatches

http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/help-support/families Here are some organisations who could help when looking after older people. Or for older people themselves. Also, please watch the programmes. http://www.channel4.com/dispatches There are some brilliant organisations out there. The programme highlighted that there are local authorities who have made some serious cuts to services. It is worth thinking about how your local authority can help with older people and any care they need. It is worth trying to find out who the meals on wheels charity are in Norfolk.... their funding was withdrawn by the council. They are still trying to produce meals for older people who are lonely and need a hot meal. Their kitchen may close. A few other organisations found in a search have proven to be a treasure trove: http://www.voluntarynorfolk.org.uk/opportunities/323/meals-on-wheels-delivery-person http://www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich/how-you-can-help2/

Fruit smoothie lollies

In warm weather, we all love lollipops and ice creams. Here is something I put together which is so easy to make. 2 bananas a handful of strawberries a quarter cup of apple juice but I also tried it with coconut milk and it worked too (If you find the mixture too tart, add a small amount of honey or golden syrup) Blitz them together and place them in lollipop moulds. Freeze overnight. Eat them within a few days as they contain fresh fruit and juice.