The Torrevieja-based charity has found that some pensioners hit by the collapse in the value of the pound are doing without basic necessities.Volunteers have discovered OAPs in the Vega Baja area who are going hungry and others who have cancelled doctor's appointments because they cannot afford interpreter fees.
The charity believes these cases may be the tip of the iceberg - and that many more are suffering in silence. In response, Age Concern Costa Blanca Sur has launched a series of measures to combat the crisis.
Starting this week the charity, which is 100% reliant on private donations, is offering soup and bread. The home-made broth, designed to supplement pensioners' vitamins, will be available from Monday to Friday for just 50 cents at the Age Concern centre on Calle Paganini in La Siesta from 11.00-12.30. Unfortunately they do not have enough volunteers to offer soup at weekends.
Age Concern are also offering to help to solve a whole range of problems that pensioners might face e.g. interpreter fees, vet fees, minor repairs in the home, denture repairs and to buy personal home alarms for pensioners experiencing financial difficulties.
Worried that some pensioners may default on insurance premiums, Age Concern are working in conjunction Mapfre to launch an insurance scheme in which all over 50s can save up to 25% on their premiums for the home, car and travel.
The charity is advising long-term residents that returning home to the UK may not prove to be the answer to their problems. Upon your return, It can take months to qualify for benefits and long council housing lists mean that finding accommodation would be difficult. In any case if you still have a home in Spain you would be subjected to means testing.
Elderly people requiring assistance - or anyone who can spare time to volunteer - can call into the Age Concern centre in Calle Paganini, or phone the centre on 96 678 68 87 or email Judy Ferris at judyferris@hotmail.com
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