Friends of the Elderly - Introduction

The charity Friends of the Elderly has been helping older people since 1905. Our vision is that all older people should retain their independence, dignity and peace of mind. We offer high quality residential and nursing care in 14 care homes, some with dementia units. We support older people to stay living in their own homes with a range of community services including welfare and grant giving for those in financial need, day clubs, home support, home visiting and telebefriending.

We are passionate about supporting and enhancing quality of life for older people. Whatever their situation, each individual deserves something to look forward to, and the opportunity to live life to the full.

With the help of new friends and supporters, we continue to expand our services to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Help us to fulfil our aim - practical caring support for each and every older person.

The Friends of the Elderly Admiral Nurse (1 June 2009)

In conjunction with for dementia, Friends of the Elderly is delighted to announce the launch of a new service for family carers of people with dementia: the Friends of the Elderly Admiral Nurse.

Friends of the Elderly is currently the only charity to work in partnership with for dementia (the organisation which created Admiral Nurses) to appoint an Admiral Nurse in the UK. This role is unique as it offers emotional and practical support for relatives of people with dementia at a point where most other services stop. The work of the Friends of the Elderly Admiral Nurse starts as a family considers a Friends of the Elderly care home for their relative with dementia and continues once the relative becomes a resident.

Says Lorna Long, Director of Care for Friends of the Elderly, "The Admiral Nurse network makes a vital contribution to the support of those who care for relatives with dementia. We are very pleased to be working in partnership with for dementia to appoint our own Admiral Nurse and bring this support into a care home setting."

For more information about the Friends of the Elderly Admiral Nurse, contact Cheryl Rothschild on 07793 669654.

National Dementia Strategy (launched 3rd Feb 2009)

Friends of the Elderly welcomes the launch of the government’s National Dementia Strategy. The strategy includes 17 objectives which aim to ensure improved awareness, earlier diagnosis & intervention and a higher quality of care.

As an organisation providing direct services to older people with dementia and their families, we welcome the acknowledgment of this growing condition and the commitment to providing higher quality care and support for those affected. We are already supporting people with dementia, and their families and carers, through a range of community and residential services. We hope focus will now be given to funding the delivery of services which meet the Strategy's aims and objectives. Plus we hope sufficient resource and recognition is given to the staff and volunteers needed to provide high quality personalised care and support in both residential and community settings.

Friends of the Elderly is also pleased to note that many of the recommendations made in our submission to the government’s consultation exercise have been included in the National dementia Strategy.

Friends of the Elderly wins approval for a new dementia care home

Friends of the Elderly has been granted planning permission for a purpose-built 24 bed specialist dementia care home adjacent to our existing residential and nursing care homes in Malvern. Friends of the Elderly’s chief executive Richard Furze said: “There is a growing need for dementia care in the UK and we are regularly approached about the provision of specialist dementia care. The new dementia home will allow us to meet the needs of older people in Malvern into the future."

About Friends of the Elderly

The Friends of the Elderly Admiral Nurse (1 June 2009)

National Dementia Strategy (launched 3rd Feb 2009)

Friends of the Elderly wins approval for a new dementia care home