It is little things make me think about getting older.
Such as thinking something happened 20 years ago only to realise it was 30 years or even 40 years ago or struggling with opening jars instead of being asked to open them. All while knowing you still feel like a 25-year-old in your head.
Just like when you know to go to the opticians to get a stronger prescription so you can read better how to cook things or see when driving, there are lots of gadgets and equipment which help when things get a bit harder at home whether you are getting a little older or just need a bit of extra help for some other reason.
The Council’s Adult Social Care team is working with the Shaw Trust so residents can use its award-winning platform AskSARA.
This is a great way for you, a family member or friend, to find out if there is a product which can be bought to make something which is important to them easier. This could be something which helps in the kitchen, such as making a cup of tea which is arguably the panacea to all problems. It’s hard for any of us to imagine not being able to do some of the simplest things for ourselves, like making a cup of tea, and the frustration this must cause. There are products which can tip the kettle without holding it or a device to know when the mug is full.
By answering some simple questions in AskSARA it then recommends suggestions for larger projects like getting upstairs, taking medication, reminding people to drink enough water and problems with sight, hearing, or memory loss.
I think some people believe its admitting defeat to ask for help, but I think it’s better to get a little bit of help when you need it compared to getting to a point where you don’t feel safe in your home.
The AskSARA questionnaire also recommends Reading specific organisations and charities that might be able to help or offer practical solutions.
The site is completely anonymous and provides a report which can be downloaded and saved.
It may suggest contacting the Adult Social Care team for an assessment where someone will come out and see if there is anything the council can suggest assisting you with the area you are struggling with.
I think this is a fantastic addition to the Adult Social Care toolbox which is normally used by our Occupational Therapists who work with people who are older, recovering from a period of illness, or have a physical, learning disability or mental illness.
Now anyone can use it too.
Search Reading.gov.uk/asksara
Cllr Liz Terry is the leader of Reading Borough Council
