Campaign highlights care for older people
The Abbeyfield Kent Society, a charity and major provider of residential and sheltered accommodation to older people in Kent, is taking to the road for five days this month to promote and raise awareness of its Who Cares? Campaign.
The campaign was launched at the Marriott Hotel on 27 February 2009 to address the plight of
getting old and confront the wider issues older people face, particularly loneliness, helplessness and boredom. The campaign is designed to address these issues head on and empower older people so that growing old is seen as an opportunity where life begins.
The campaign has also established a bursary to bridge the funding gap for residents who can no longer afford the cost of care. A resident with insufficient funds can be placed in the hands of the Local Authority and face being moved to another home, miles away from family and friends. Involuntarily moving a resident can be particularly traumatic and distressing.
The Kent Tour will engage with members of the public to discuss issues associated with getting older and challenge people’s perceptions and attitudes towards age and older people. There will be a range of informative literature available about Who Cares? including a short film to illustrate the campaign’s objectives. Homemade Christmas puddings will also be on offer to members of the public in exchange for a donation.
Leon Steer, Chief Executive of The Abbeyfield Kent Society comments: “We don’t choose to get older but it will affect all of us and we are working hard to make positive changes to enhance the lives of older people. In our homes we practise the Eden Principles, a philosophy which has at its core a different approach to care focused on eliminating issues surrounding loneliness while promoting support and companionship. This philosophy is practiced in all our homes and we want to see these ideals transferred to the wider community."
The Abbeyfield Kent Society will be visiting shopping outlets throughout Kent between Wednesday 11 November and Sunday 15 November.
