UK Charities
supporting older people have warned the government that prolonged shielding and
social distancing for the over-70s while lockdown measures are potentially
eased for others could create a sense of “victimisation”. Caroline Abrahams,
charity director at Age UK, said age alone should not determine people’s
ability to go about their daily lives if the government decides to begin easing
some of the restrictions.
The prime minister is developing plans for the next stage of the government’s coronavirus response when the current lockdown period ends on 7 May.
Kindness in crisis appeal: Help Britain’s most vulnerable beat coronavirus
People over 70 were told in March to abide by distancing rules and those classed as extremely vulnerable because of an underlying health condition have been asked to stay at home until the end of June. www.alone.ie and https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
Prior
to any easing of lockdown restrictions by the government, which is understood
to be extremely cautious about this age cohort and reluctant to change its
current advice, Abrahams said: “An enforced lockdown of people beyond a certain
age would undoubtedly create a sense of victimisation, unless there is really
clear clinical evidence showing that advancing age in and of itself makes it
more likely that a person will become seriously ill, regardless of their state
of health and their resilience.”
__________________________________________________
More on coronavirus:
Download the Microsoft News app for full coverage of the crisis
How to stay safe when you go outside the home (Independent)
The 'five tests' the UK must pass before lockdown can end (Mirror)
____________________________________________________
The charity has asked for the government’s advice for the next stage of the coronavirus strategy to be advisory and not compulsory. Abrahams also warned of worsening mental health among the over-70s if they have to spend months away from friends and family, describing it as “unimaginably” bleak.
The former Conservative chancellor, Ken Clarke, said treating the over-70s too cautiously could leave people feeling as though they are under house arrest, especially when many in this age group still work and look after grandchildren.
The Alzheimer’s Society has concerns about what a prolonged lockdown may mean for people with dementia. Isolation and a weakening of social skills maintained through day-to-day interaction could be a consequence. It has also suggested that any extension of the rules affecting the over-70s must ensure the continuation of reserved shopping hours for vulnerable people.
Chair of the all-party parliamentary group on ageing and older people, Rachael Maskell MP, said the government could consider introducing a chief adviser on the elderly if they are going to be treated differently to the rest of the population in the long term.
Downing Street has not released plans for this age group or how they fit into a lockdown exit strategy. Much of the response for supporting the elderly has been led by Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, who is expected to continue feeding into the government’s preparations.
ENDS:
(YOUR HELPLINE LINKS):
ALONE
The prime minister is developing plans for the next stage of the government’s coronavirus response when the current lockdown period ends on 7 May.
Kindness in crisis appeal: Help Britain’s most vulnerable beat coronavirus
People over 70 were told in March to abide by distancing rules and those classed as extremely vulnerable because of an underlying health condition have been asked to stay at home until the end of June. www.alone.ie and https://www.ageuk.org.uk/
 |
| Covid-19 Restrictions Putting Elderly People Under House Arrest. |
__________________________________________________
More on coronavirus:
Download the Microsoft News app for full coverage of the crisis
How to stay safe when you go outside the home (Independent)
The 'five tests' the UK must pass before lockdown can end (Mirror)
____________________________________________________
The charity has asked for the government’s advice for the next stage of the coronavirus strategy to be advisory and not compulsory. Abrahams also warned of worsening mental health among the over-70s if they have to spend months away from friends and family, describing it as “unimaginably” bleak.
The former Conservative chancellor, Ken Clarke, said treating the over-70s too cautiously could leave people feeling as though they are under house arrest, especially when many in this age group still work and look after grandchildren.
The Alzheimer’s Society has concerns about what a prolonged lockdown may mean for people with dementia. Isolation and a weakening of social skills maintained through day-to-day interaction could be a consequence. It has also suggested that any extension of the rules affecting the over-70s must ensure the continuation of reserved shopping hours for vulnerable people.
Chair of the all-party parliamentary group on ageing and older people, Rachael Maskell MP, said the government could consider introducing a chief adviser on the elderly if they are going to be treated differently to the rest of the population in the long term.
Downing Street has not released plans for this age group or how they fit into a lockdown exit strategy. Much of the response for supporting the elderly has been led by Robert Jenrick, secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, who is expected to continue feeding into the government’s preparations.
ENDS:
(YOUR HELPLINE LINKS):
ALONE
https://www.drugfreeworld.org/
& www.drugs.ie
& www.drugscope.org.uk & www.spunout.org
& www.childline.org.uk/ & www.youngminds.org.uk/
& https://www.cybersafeireland.org/about-us/
If you or someone you know has been
affected by mental health issues you can contact:
·
Samaritans
- 116 123, text 087 2609090 or email jo@samaritans.ie
·
Pieta
House (Suicide & Self-harm) - 1800 247 247 or 01 623 5606
·
Aware
(Depression, Bi-Polar Disorder & Anxiety) - 1800 80 48 48
·
Grow
(Mental Health support & Recovery) - 1890 474 474
·
Bodywhys
(Eating Disorders Associations of Ireland) - 1890 200 444
·
Childline
(for under 18s)
·
- 1800 66 66 66.
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