10 In and out of hospital The top three activities most struggled with are: What they would like to do doing work around their house or garden but can’t (87 per cent), walking 100 yards (71 per cent) and climbing one flight of stairs without resting Many of our service users told us that there are (70 per cent). many things they would like to do but cannot – which, in turn, affects their sense of freedom Our 2016 study of 170 Red Cross service and confidence. users found that many struggled to take out the rubbish. Indeed, what was perceived as “ To be able to get up in the morning and get hoarding was often down to poor mobility – washed or showered and dressed and then not being able to tidy up, move things the same at night, but without planning. I around or pick things up. Living in an untidy worry about undoing all the good work that environment can lead to somebody’s condition has been done on my hip, if I were to fall.” worsening, as well as heightening somebody’s Female, 75-84 risk of falling. “ I would like to be able to transfer myself from Almost 60 per cent struggled with bathing the wheelchair on to the sofa. I can’t do that or showering, a third with walking across the at the moment.” room and getting in and out of bed and 23 per Anonymous cent struggled with taking their medicine. Living alone Many of our service users live alone – almost 70 per cent of those surveyed. Despite struggling with everyday tasks such as bathing and dressing themselves, we found that those living alone were less likely to access both informal support from family and friends and formal support from local authorities and charities. Just 47 per cent received regular help from a friend or loved one, compared to 90 per cent of people living with others. Similarly, only 30 per cent of those living alone were receiving help from the local authority with personal care compared to 47 per cent of those living with others. With older people increasingly living alone, we believe that targeting support at those living without support networks is vital to prevent a continuous cycle of preventable hospital admissions. Struggling but caring for others A significant minority were caring for someone else while contending with their own conditions. “ I would like to go out more but my partner is also disabled, we look after each other and have to be together twenty-four seven.” Anonymous