Grandparents Day, which is coming up on Sunday 6th October, is a great opportunity to thank the people in our lives who play the important roles of nanny, grandad, grandma or grandpa to us, and to our children.
It is also a chance for us to remember the potential challenges faced by people as they reach older age. We know that many of Deafblind UK’s members acquire deafblindness later in life, and in many cases it can go unrecognised and unsupported. This can have a big affect on someone’s ability to live the life they want and can make even simple tasks such as shopping, cooking or watching television difficult.
Checking in regularly with our older relatives, friends or neighbours can help identify sight and hearing loss and putting people in touch with organisations like Deafblind UK can help get them the support they need.
Our free Information and Advice Line is available for people living with deafblindness, and their families, and our friendly staff can give ideas on where further help is available. We can also give information on local deafblind social groups or our befriending service. Both these services can be particularly beneficial for people who may not have family living locally. We can also advise on easy to use technology which can help people who are deafblind keep in touch with those family members who they can’t always see regularly face to face.
So however you and your family celebrate Grandparents Day, remember that a cup of tea or a phone call can make a huge difference, especially to the many grandparents living with deafblindness.
Deafblind UK Information and Advice Line
Tel: 0800 132 320
Text: 07950 008870
Email: info@deafblind.org.uk
