These have been challenging times for many people across our community. But one of the worst affected groups has been older people.

The isolation of the pandemic was devastating for older and vulnerable people. The Octavia Foundation’s expert Outreach team have found that even though life has returned to normal for most of us, older people are experiencing difficulties with even the most basic things like making medical appointments. Sadly, this can be incredibly confusing and make them feel even more disconnected. 

We work with more than 600 vulnerable older people each year (2022-2023). Most are on fixed incomes and will feel the struggles of the cost of living crisis even more, making it harder for them to afford essentials or even leave their homes to see friends and family. This is a serious, life-changing issue, especially as The Campaign to End Loneliness found lacking social connections can increase the likelihood of mortality by 26%.

To get help to those who need it most, our Outreach team carries out detailed welfare assessments, mostly in older people’s homes, to identify their support requirements. In-person assessments are especially meaningful because we can spot issues that they may not share themselves, e.g. noticing someone has an empty fridge and is struggling to afford food. Our team then makes referrals to get them the help they need, including to our expert Financial Resilience team who run an advice line and 1-1 appointments to help residents with budgeting, benefit entitlement, essential bills and other cost of living support (our Advisors are registered with the Institute of Money Advisers). We also refer to our social activities and employment and training support; or to other services for money management advice, foodbanks or warm space initiatives, and many more.

This specialist service identifies potentially serious issues before they get any worse, getting vulnerable people the support they need quickly and preventing unnecessary suffering.

We need your help to continue offering this life enhancing support.

Please donate to be there for older and vulnerable people through these hard times.