Age Concern, Estepona & Manilva, June 2008

Estepona and Manilva

I was talking with a group of people a short time ago about the work of charities along the Costa del Sol and I was surprised by the question ‘But what is Age Concern, what does it actually do? You have no visibility.’ Until then I was under the impression that most people understand that we exist to help and support elderly people who ask us to do just that. Obviously I was wrong.

That initial question can be restated as ‘What sort of problems do elderly people have?’ Some examples are a partner dies; not able to speak the language; mobility problems; lonely; no family support; and so on. The number of elderly people of all nationalities on the coast is increasing and the range of problems they face is also increasing

Lifeline is simply a telephone number that elderly people who need help can contact. This is often the first contact a client has with the charity. Many problems can be resolved directly over the telephone but, if not, after assessment, a volunteer may be allocated to help the client. Volunteers are available to carry out a range of tasks including:

Giving information on where to obtain nursing advice
Liaising with Social Services when possible
Giving information about residential care homes
Matching volunteers to beneficiaries for long-term support
Assisting with shopping
Accompanying people to the doctors or to hospital, providing volunteers are available
Helping clients to obtain their resident documents, and other legal requirements
Translating and Counselling
Helping with repatriation

Age Concern does not provide domestic help or nursing care – that is left to other professionals.

Age Concern has to respect client confidentiality which is why very few case studies are published, but rest assured that the volunteers working in the community are kept very busy!

Forthcoming Events:

On Friday 15th August we have organised an evening meal at The Vines restaurant in Estepona on Friday 15th at a cost of 22€ per person.

In September another coach trip is planned, watch this space for details of where to!

On the 4th October Angela is organising one of Age Concern’s famous evening meals at La Salsa in Sabinillas, the cost will be 23€ per person.

In order to secure a place on any of these events you can register interest now and get your name on the list, you can always cancel later. Call 951318234 and leave your details or email tonyaldous55@yahoo.co.uk today.

Finally:

For elderly people who require help or advice Age Concern operate a telephone service called Lifeline. This gives the individual a direct point of contact with the charity. The telephone number is 650163928.>