Coronavirus Kent: Pensioners could die alone in their homes under government's plans to isolate over 70s, warns Medway group
12:15, 16 March 2020
updated: 12:55, 16 March 2020
Hundreds of elderly residents could die alone in their homes over the government's request for all over 70s to self-isolate.
That's the stark warning from Derek Munton, chairman of the Medway Pensioners Forum, who was responding to the Health Secretary Matt Hancock's announcement as the UK escalates its fight against coronavirus.
Mr Munton said the "draconian measures" would isolate old people in the Towns who also need to go out for medical attention, shopping and socialising.
He said: "It's easy to say, stay indoors, but there has to be some kind of infrastructure in place. There are tens of thousands of old people in Medway and the impact for some would be like some sort of horror film.
"There's an assumption that you do everything like shopping online. But there are many elderly people who don't have or have never used a computer."
But Mr Munton says he hopes communities will rally around older people who might not have relatives to help them.
He added: "I would hope that if this does happen, if you know of an elderly person living nearby to knock on their door and ask if they want anything. But not everyone knows their neighbours. For example, what if you live in a block of flats you might easily not know who else lives there."
"If you know of an elderly person living nearby to knock on their door and ask if they want anything"
Age UK, which has two day centres in Medway, is adhering to the national advice and is encouraged that many people have come forward to volunteer their services.
The charity is a lifeline to the older community providing transport, a hot meal activities and outings.
John Norley, chief executive of Medway Age UK said: “Many people will be deeply shocked at the news which has broken about four months quarantine. But if the science is clear – that it’s what is necessary to save many older people’s lives – then it must be the right thing to do for those aged over 70.
“We will all need to step up and help older people get through it in what is going to be several months of real national emergency. Some older people can rely on great support from their families but not everyone is so lucky so we’re going to need to put some infrastructure in place and fast to help them get through.
“Age UK is working on that now, as are other charities, and we are already supporting many older people and that needs to continue as well. Age UK and The Silver Line are determined to continue to be there for older people throughout the period to come.
“For now if you were planning to have lunch with the grandparents there’s no reason not to.
"But keep a bit more distance, preferably at least a metre apart, no kissing and hugging sadly and those hand hygiene practices are fabulously important.
“Now is not the time to back off our older population, who need our love and support more than ever.
"Do provide reassurance and now’s a good time to make a plan together as a family. And for everyone else now is also a great time to look out for older neighbours, especially if they seem to be on their own and help to provide support in the weeks and months to come.”
Age UK in Canterbury is refocussing efforts on outreach services for its elderly clients.
