The fifth episode in this Yorkshire Calendar series presented by Marylyn Webb and Richard Madeley that this week a look at some of problems faced by the elderly in the region. The emphasis of the programme is on issues around loneliness and isolation which many older people feel. As well as speaking with some of those looking for help, details are provided on organisations and schemes across the region that can help and support older people. Title: Yorkshire Television Colour Production...

The fifth episode in this Yorkshire Calendar series presented by Marylyn Webb and Richard Madeley that this week a look at some of problems faced by the elderly in the region. The emphasis of the programme is on issues around loneliness and isolation which many older people feel. As well as speaking with some of those looking for help, details are provided on organisations and schemes across the region that can help and support older people. Title: Yorkshire Television Colour Production Calendar At Your Service Sitting on her sofa 74-year-old Mrs Marjorie Fenby from Hull talks about her loneliness, not speaking with anyone and going shopping being her only form of social interactions. Title: Old and Alone Credit: with Marylyn Webb and Richard Madeley Marylyn Webb begins the programme by reading a letter written to Calendar at Your Service by Mrs Fenby about her plight of loneliness which is sadly not unusual. Statistics provided by Help the Aged state that three in 10 older persons in the country receive no visits from friends and one in 5 can’t get from their home to any kind of social centre. Following a brief introduction by co-presenter Richard, Marylyn walking with Mrs Fenby in her back garden explaining in voiceover how following the death of her husband eight years previous she now feels trapped on one of Hull’s council estates. Inside she explains to Marylyn about her fears relating to being alone with nobody to talk to. She explains the problems she has joining local social clubs and her wish to find some kind of companionship. Following Richard providing details on the workings of Age Concern both nationally and locally, Marylyn speaks with Mrs Joan Bloomer who is the Volunteer Co-ordinators for Age Concern Leeds about the work she and her volunteers do. She goes on to provide details on how to best approach those individuals who reticent in receiving any help or support. Sitting next to Mrs Bloomer is 80-year-old Mrs Mary Thomson who like Mrs Fenby lost her husband eight-years previous. She is asked by Marylyn how does someone get over feelings of bereavement and loss and about the work she does as a volunteer for Age Concern. Back to Richard who provides details on a new scheme set up by York Social Services that will help reassure elderly people living along that won’t be left for days should there be an accident. Filmed in July 1979 Social Worker Julie Gilbert provides details on the scheme she set up in which five older women were provided with telephones by Social Services. Each day each of the women would call one another to see if they are okay. One of the women taking part in the scheme, Miss Eileen Warriner, talks about how the scheme makes her feel more reassured that someone will be able to send help should she need it. Julie Gilbert also talks about a positive spin-off in that the women have all become close friends. Returning to Richard who provides details on similar schemes set up around the country such as the ‘Good Neighbour Scheme’ formed by Dr David Ennals when he was Secretary of State for Social Services under the previous Labour government. Richard then speaks with the Reverend Simon Swales who is Chairman of the Leeds Community Care Group about the types of schemes that are available to the elderly such as Good Neighbours, Helping Hands and community care. He provides details on what the elderly gain from such schemes and how they can become a part of one. Across the studio Marylyn provides details on a ‘granny fostering’ scheme being organised by Leeds City Council and Humberside County Council to find families willing to taking care of an elderly person in their home for either short or long terms. In her kitchen Mrs Lottie Downthwaite works with her foster children to clean up before one of them takes a cup to 70-year-old Jim Monks who is living with the family for two weeks. Mrs Downthwaite explains why fostering an elderly person is very different from fostering children and how the family copes with any disruption. Mr Monk explains that he doesn’t mind living in a house full of children and animals as it gives his sister, his carer, a chance to go on holiday. Mrs. Downthwaite explains the positives of such schemes being for the elderly in that it gives them some company and regular meals and she appreciates the positive feedback to receives from family members. Back in the studio Marylyn speaks with 81-year-old Mrs Grace Bingham regarding life in an old people’s home, reasons for doing so and how she was able to adapt to this new lifestyle. Passing over to Richard who speaks with Dr Ali Sooltan a Consultant Physician with a speciality in the problems of the elderly on the question of hyperthermia. He provides details on what it is and what an older person on a limited budget should do to keep warm during the winter months. Clothing and bedding are discussed as well as the importance of staying active. Marylyn discusses education classes and the positive benefits such courses will have on an older person. After providing details of discounted rates offered by some local council, she states that you are never too old to learn by introduced 76-year-old Mrs Jane Brennan of Batley who recently graduated from the Open University. At home she is interviewed about why she started this seven-year course and what she got out of it. Back in the studio Richard provides the names and contact details of organisation who can help the elderly across the region followed by Marylyn who provide details on next week’s edition on disabilities. Title: Calendar At Your Service Credit: was presented by Marylyn Webb, Richard Madeley Production Team Petrina Rance, Fiona Greig Film Editor Derek Earp Director Tony Scull Producer David Lowen Editor Graham Ironside Title: Next week Calendar At Your Service… Living with a Handicap End title: Yorkshire Television Colour Production. © Trident Television Ltd. MCMLXXX