Joined effort to help a Southwater resident

veronikatoth7
Nov 12
2 min read

As part of their diverse and wide-ranging Neighbourhood Warden role, Bettina and Dom work closely with many wonderful older residents in Southwater. Their aim is to help them access appropriate services and gain the support they need to live positive, fulfilling lives that complement their personalities and interests.

Recently, they had the privilege of meeting a resident in their 90s who lives alone and independently manages all their own care needs. As people get older, they may find that their needs change, sometimes in ways they did not expect. This remarkable individual, who many years ago served their country in uniform, has been managing challenges with hearing and sight, which they find incredibly frustrating. With only a few regular visitors, they spend many hours in isolation and find this difficult. They love a good chat and have a wicked sense of humour but can no longer get out and about to meet people as easily, and share their time with others.

The Wardens noticed that the resident never seemed to use their TV, so they asked about it. The resident explained that they could no longer see the buttons on the remote control, nor easily reach the power socket, which is something most people probably don’t even think about when doing it themselves.

Taking advice from the Royal National Institute of Blind People, the Wardens sourced a specific TV remote with larger, simpler buttons and found an appropriate extension lead with separate switches so the TV can now be turned off without stretching around furniture to reach the socket.

With the generosity of the Chairman’s Discretionary Fund from SPC, they were able to purchase these two small items, which will hopefully make a really big difference and help the resident.

They would like to thank everyone for their continued support, which enables them to go that little bit further in providing care and assistance for the local people.

Would you to get in touch with the wardens or Southwater Parish Council? You can find the contact details for the wardens here and for SPC here.