iTea and Biscuits

This week Age UK is celebrating the benefits of being able to use technology as an 'older person'. As well as being able to use social networking which can reduce isolation for carers who are unable to easily go out, you can do online shopping, find out information about services such as NHS and social services, as well as local charities such as Age UK Trafford, find out what is going on in your local community, send photos of your grandchildren to that cousin in Australia....and all from the comfort of your own home, at a time that suits you. You can even change the size of the text to one that is easier to read. 

Computer technology, including the internet, shouldn't be a substitute for social interaction and the communication and information tools we use every day, but it can be a useful addition.

If you know of someone of age 55 or over who doesn't already use a computer, but who would like to learn, or who you feel would benefit from learning, please contact the Age UK Trafford office on 0161 746 9752, or pop in to our Urmston office to find out more about our silver surfer courses.

The Urmston office is having an iTea and biscuits open day on Saturday 24th September 11:00 - 3:00 for people to call in and speak to our silver surfer tutors about the computer courses we run.

Carers of people with dementia are at a particularly high risk of becoming socially isolated. It may be difficult to leave their loved-one alone at home, in addition friends may stop calling, and the general stress of being a carer, not least having many appointments and loss of sleep or amended 'awakening hours' means social events may be put 'on the back burner'.

If you are a carer of a person with dementia and have used a computer to help you in any way as a carer, we would love to hear how, so that others can also find out. Please feel free to comment on this blog, e-mail at dementia.adviser@ageuktrafford.org.uk or use the good old telephone on 0161 746 3944. You may also have concerns about using technology, and we welcome comments and questions that address these.

Information on Age UK Trafford iTea and bicuits 0161  746 9752

Age UK national campaign http://www.ageuk.org.uk/work-and-learning/technology-and-internet/volunteer/become-a-digital-champion/?ito=1890&itc=0