Article from Guernsey Press

Care Home launches 'magnifier appeal'

The Connaught care home in Alderney has launched a 'magnifier appeal' to help its elderly residents to be able to read.

Many people struggle with age-related eye diseases, some of which can be controlled, but other conditions are progressive and have no cure. 

'As a registered visitor to The Connaught I am very aware that many of the residents are suffering from these conditions and are finding reading either difficult or impossible,' said Eileen Mignot. 'There is one lady who, with her hand magnifying glass, struggles to read only one letter of a word at a time; from that she needs laboriously to build up the whole word. 

'However there is a table-top magnifier which would be of great benefit to her and others in the care home. The cost of the machines are between £1,795 and £3,395 and residents plan to raise sufficient funds for at least three. There is also a version which actually reads the text from the page, and would be wonderful to be able to buy that as well.'

Residents have already planned several fund-raising events, including an art exhibition, sponsored walk and a calendar, but these can only raise a fraction of the total needed. 

'I appeal to you, who can enjoy reading, to help those among us who are condemned to living the rest of their lives without the joy of engaging with the written word,' said Eileen.

'It would be great if we could achieve our goal before Christmas; that would mean that cards and letters could be read this year by those who until now have had to wait for someone to have the time to read aloud for them. This will not only maintain independence but privacy and give great joy.' 

To donate to this worthy cause, cheques made out to The Connaught can be sent to Magnifier Appeal, The Connaught, Le Val, Alderney GY9 3UL.

- Original Article from Guernsey Press -