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Many people need help as they grow older. This may be physical help
with things like shopping, getting meals, going to hospital, or social and
mental stimulus through visiting and going to clubs.
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Many of the organisations, who provide these kinds of help, use volunteers
on a regular or occasional basis. You can also be an informal carer for
older family and friends.
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Some of the organisations
that provide care for special groups also cover older people.
This is particularly so for certain health
support groups.
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Much of the work involves
basic activities, though
there is also scope for volunteers in special counselling and advisory
services. Other activities in which volunteers often
participate include fund raising and administration.
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Age Concern www.ace.org.uk/
Alzheimer's Society www.alzheimers.org.uk/
Help the Aged www.helptheaged.org.uk/
RVS www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk
See also the organisations listed under Volunteering
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We have not managed to identify any magazines dealing specially with this
type of helping. But the organisations listed above have newsletters
for their members.
More information on the health problems that the organisations deal with can
be found on various health based web site such as www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk www.healthopedia.com www.netdoctor.co.uk
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Find a local group or club
that provides help and care for older people (see organisations
above).
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See if your local group
offers introductory sessions or events. Take a class or course
relevant to the needs of older people at your local adult education
centre.
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Consult books or magazines
on different aspects of the needs of and care for older people.
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Check in your local
library/paper or volunteer centre for more information.
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Skills and people
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People of all ages and
both sexes can volunteer to help others who are now in the older age
groups.
There is no need to have special skills or knowledge but many groups
offer volunteers training in caring and giving advice.
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You will be in contact with people from the older generations who have
a wealth of interesting experience to share.
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You can find the people who
need help either by contacting the specialist organisations or through
your own friends and family.
Equipment or clothing
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As a volunteer you don't need to have any special equipment, though
volunteer drivers often use their own cars.
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Some organisations like you to
wear badges or clothing to identify yourself.
A place or facilities
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You can help in people's homes, by taking/driving older people where
they want to go, or by working in a social centre or residential home.
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Fund raising and administration will generally involve activities locally,
with some work at home.
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