Pages 31-38 in the full Wise
Guide book
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Guide
Thanks to modern technology, you need never feel
isolated because of age. The internet is a great way to keep in
touch and your telephone can be adapted for poor sight or
hearing.
If you can't see well or have trouble dialling, you
may be able to get Directory Enquiries and/or operator-assisted
calls cheap or free.
If you're visually impaired
There are telephones with bigger buttons and
spacing - even talking mobiles. Contact the Royal National
Institute of Blind People (RNIB - 0303 123 9999, rnib.org.uk). Ask
your phone company for bills in Braille or large print.
If you're hard of hearing
Action On Hearing Loss (formerly the Royal National
Institute for Deaf People) can advise on louder ringers, textphones
and the Minicom system. (0808 808 0123, actiononhearingloss.org.uk).
British Telecom (BT) offers free
'extended ringers'.
For detailed advice on suitable telephone
equipment, call the Disabled Living Foundation (0845 130
9177, dlf.org.uk). You may
qualify for social services help, in which case a community
occupational therapist or sensory specialist can assess your needs
and provide the equipment.
Not all mobile phones are small and fiddly. Vodafone (08700 700 191) and T-Mobile (0808 121 1122) can advise older or
disabled customers on the best mobile for their needs.
To keep in touch in an emergency, consider a
community alarm scheme - see chapter 5.
The internet
It's easier than you think to go online and once
you do, you'll wonder how you managed before.
Ten things to do online
1. shop and have goods delivered
2. contact friends and family and exchange
photos
3. order prescriptions and have them delivered
4. pay bills and check your bank balance
5. book train, air and theatre tickets
6. join special interest groups
7. make new friends through social networking
8. find out more about a hotel before you book
9. look up facts for the tricky crossword or pub
quiz
10. research your family tree
Age UK has a useful leaflet,
Make the most of the Internet - save
time and money. They can also give you details of
computer and internet training courses in your area (0800 169 6565,
ageuk.org.uk).
Like to have a go on the internet - free or at a low cost -
with expert help on hand?
Get started at one of 6,000-plus UK Online centres
countrywide. Call 0800 77 1234 or visit ukonlinecentres.com to
find your nearest. They are for beginners of any age with any
disability.
Did you know…3.2m people aged 65+ in the UK used
the internet in the last quarter. Over half used it every day or
almost.
August 2010 survey by Office for National Statistics (ONS)
Choosing the right computer
AbilityNet (0800 269 545, abilitynet.org.uk)
has information about how to choose a computer, including where to
find secondhand equipment. They can also advise on adaptations for
deaf, visually-impaired and disabled users. If you are visually
impaired, try the British Computer Association of the Blind (0845
643 9811), bcab.org.uk).
Did you
know... you can find out about internet security
at getsafeonline.org.
Food shopping by phone
Sainsbury's will take your telephone order and
deliver for a small fee; call 0800 328 1700 or visit the store's website. You'll need to give your postcode
and pay with a debit or credit card. Wiltshire Farm Foods delivers
frozen meals nationwide to private customers, most of whom are over
70 (0800 773 773, wiltshirefarmfoods.com).
Human help to stay in
touch
There are also lots
of gadgets which
aid communication, from magnifiers and pocket binoculars, to
recumbent spectacles which allow you to read or watch TV while
lying flat! Check out the Disabled Living Foundation's Guide to Simple Communication
Products (0845 130 9177, dlf.org.uk). Some
help comes free through the NHS or social services if you have
trouble seeing clearly, hearing or speaking.
Hearing aids
Today's hearing aids are sophisticated and many can
be customised to suit your type of hearing loss. The NHS can lend
you both analogue and digital hearing aids - contact your GP.
Did you
know… other conditions, such as a wax build-up, can
cause hearing loss? Such conditions are treatable and you may not
need a hearing aid. If you do, your GP will refer you to your local
audiology department.
You can wear a hearing aid behind one or both ears,
or use a 'body-worn' aid which incorporates a small box you carry
in your pocket. It takes time to get used to. Your audiologist will
recommend you build up use gradually and in different situations -
from one-to-one conversations, to TV viewing and crowded rooms.
The T-setting on modern hearing aids allows you to
use 'induction loops' which reduce background noise so you can hear
more clearly. You can have a domestic loop in your home and many
public places like banks and theatres also have them.
You can also buy hearing aids privately but anyone
you buy from should be registered with the Health Professions Council
(0207582 0866). If you are tempted to buy from abroad, ask what
help would be provided if you needed adjustments or repairs.
What happens when TV
goes digital
By the end of 2012, digital-only broadcasts will
replace old-style analogue TV transmitters. In some areas, this has
already happened. When your area goes digital your old TV will no
longer work.
A Government agency, Digital UK, offers advice. To
find out when your area is due to switch, visit digitaluk.co.uk and type
your postcode and house number into the 'When do I switch'
section.
If you're over 75, on Attendance Allowance or
anyone in your household has a disability, there is a £40
Switchover Help Scheme. For £40, the scheme will provide and
install easy-to-use digital equipment with 12 months of aftercare.
You pay nothing if you're on Guarantee Pension Credit (0845
650 5050, digitaluk.co.uk).
Did you
know…the Switchover Help Scheme is available only for as
long as the switchover is taking place in your region.....
…if you have already bought a digital TV, the Help
Scheme cannot install it for you as they are only insured for their
own equipment.
The Disabled Living Foundation (0845 130 9177, dlf.org.uk), may be able to help
you choose the right TV and radio.
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