Frequently asked questions [FAQs]

What does L4A offer elderly residents?

Our trained learning mentors offer one-to-one discussions and activities that are of interest to the individual resident.

What is the fourth age?

The fourth age refers to a phase of life that residents are in, namely that they are no longer in the active pensioner third age phase of their lives.

What makes L4A more than a befriending service?

Research shows that keeping the minds of older people active and alert can delay the onset of dementia. Learning brings positive benefits to wellbeing, confidence, sociability. Learning helps residents to use their time in ways that are fulfilling, thus adding significantly to their quality of life. For these reasons and because of the positive impact that we have seen, L4A focuses on facilitating residents' learning.

Are learning mentors carers?

No. - our learning mentors are not carers and this is the role of the residential care home not L4A. A few learning mentors who may have had some training in care are not entering a care home on behalf of L4A to provide any sort of care. Like any visitor, if they are with a resident and the person needs care they would ask a carer for help. Learning mentors are CRB checked, supervised and trained in the skills of teaching and learning with older people.

What sorts of things can L4A facilitate?

Our learning mentors are able to offer a range of topics and skills because of their diverse range of interests and backgrounds. These include reading; art and painting; local history; discussing current affairs and newspaper articles; literature; national and international history; gardening; films from different eras; architecture; crosswords; puzzles and sudoku; listening to music; playing music; handicrafts and many more. All interests are valuable when shared with a resident with similar interests or skills.

What happens if a resident receiving L4A services passes away?

It is very sad when a resident passes away and L4A supports our learning mentors and also to remember the positive difference that L4A has made to the person's last stage of life. If a resident passes away, we ask the care home to inform the L4A coordinator. L4A will let the learning mentor who has been working with the person know in a discrete and compassionate way. We offer their learning mentor and the co-ordinator of the care home the opportunity, if the family agrees, to attend the funeral with a member of the L4A team, offer them counselling and support and encourage them to speak about their experiences and grief. We aim to ensure that our learning mentors are as well looked after as possible by L4A during these difficult times.

I would like further information, what should I do?

We are very glad that you are interested in L4A and the work that we do. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

I want this service for a specific care home, what should I do?

Please contact us and we will aim to discuss your requirements in further detail.

I would like a copy of one of your policies (i.e. Equal Opportunities, Volunteer Policy, Health and Safety or Confidentiality), what should I do?

L4A aims to make all of our policies readily available for those who are interested. Please contact us to discuss which policy you require.

I have a compliment or complaint about L4A, a member of staff or a volunteer, what should I do?
Compliments

Any aspects of the L4A service that you especially like and think work well, we are delighted to hear from you as this helps us to focus on developing the very best service that meets your needs. We look forward to hearing from you about the positive and best features of our service.

Complaints

L4A recognises that complaints are an important part of customer feedback. Please contact us and we will forward you a copy of our complaints procedure as swiftly as possible and we take complaints very seriously and do what we can to put things right.

When can I get in contact with you?

We are usually available between the hours of 8am and 6pm. However, if those times are difficult for you, we will endeavour to correspond at times more appropriate for you, or we can email or write to you in order to avoid the difficulty. Our contact details are available here.