The British Geriatrics Society (BGS) is the membership association for professionals specialising in the healthcare of older people across the UK. The information provided on this website is primarily for the use of our members and is intended to help them to keep up-to-date with the latest research and clinical practice. Our members are supported by a small staff team, none of whom have a clinical or medical background.
We know that older people are keen to have reliable up-to-date information, especially in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are not an advocacy or support organisation for older people and we are not qualified to give advice, medical or otherwise, to older people and their loved ones. There are many charities that are able to provide this support and we list some of these below.
We encourage older people and their families to contact these organisations, either online or by following links to local support:
- Age UK, Age Scotland, Age NI and Age Cymru provide advice lines, befriending services and a variety of online information for older people.
- Independent Age also provides a helpline for older people and a range of online advice.
- The British Red Cross provides support to people returning home from hospital.
- The Silverline is a 24-hour helpline for older people.
- The Older People’s Advocacy Alliance provides advocacy services for older people and has information about local advocacy and advice services.
Dealing with social isolationDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, older people are being advised to stay at home and limit social contact with others. People showing symptoms of COVID-19 are advised to completely self-isolate. These people are at increased risk of loneliness and social isolation at this time. Family, friends and neighbours are encouraged to take steps to support people who are self-isolating. Measures they could take include:
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