Caring for Older Adults

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”Let us protect the elderly, because they are our roots”

━ Pope Francis

We strongly believe that no one should feel forgotten, especially in later life. Our older brothers and sisters have given so much — their time, their wisdom,
their love — and now it’s our turn to give back. Whether it’s offering a friendly chat, helping with the shopping, or making sure someone gets to Mass,
small acts of kindness go a long way.

Why Does It Matter?

Pope Francis’ Teachings:

Pope Francis reminded us that the elderly “have a unique capacity to understand the most difficult situations and to provide wise counsel”.
He advocated for a culture of care and for a greater sense of intergenerational solidarity.

Scripture:

1 Timothy 5:1-4 — “Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father”.
Job 5:12 — “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”

Loneliness and Isolation:

As we age, many of us face challenges like the loss of loved ones, health problems, or the absence of family close by.
As Christians, we are called to celebrate the unique dignity of every individual, regardless of their age.

What Does Caritas Southwark Do?

We’ve been working with the parish of St Elizabeth’s in Richmond to support older members of the community. It’s been brilliant to see volunteers stepping up — they’ve been trained to gently encourage elderly people to seek support, whether that’s finding a local dementia café, arranging meal deliveries, or just knowing what help is out there.

Over in Lewisham, we’ve been busy raising awareness about the different schemes we offer. It’s all about making sure no one slips through the cracks.

And in Walworth, the English Martyrs parish have developed something really special: a knitting and lunch club that brings people together for good food, good company, and plenty of conversation!

What Can I Do?

There are several ways to respond to the call to support our older brothers and sisters. We are working on creating a bank of resources for each of the below points, so please check again soon or reach out to us if you are looking for more practical advice in the interim.

Pray and Reflect:

Take time to pray for older people in your parish, community, and family. Reflect on their needs and how you can be a source of support.
Encourage others in your faith community to reflect on the importance of honouring and caring for the elderly.

Advocate and Campaign:

Advocate for policies that support older people, especially in the areas of healthcare, housing, mental health, and social inclusion.

What Can I Do?

Host and Welcome:

Organise lunches, coffee mornings, or talks on health and wellbeing to help build community and combat isolation.
Invite older parishioners to join in regular trips or day outings, offering them opportunities for companionship and new experiences.

Befriending:

Encourage your parish to appoint an Anna Chaplain, a ministry specifically dedicated to providing pastoral care to older people, especially those in care homes or hospitals.