Is it becoming impossible for some older people to manage their affairs independently?

I have just checked out the website, where you can ask for the return address of the application form, it asks for postcode, when I enter postcode, all it tells me is the location of the polling station, going round in circles.
Btw, my neighbour has no mental incapacity, her memory is no worse than mine, she just does not have a computer, does not want one. Nor does he see the need for a mobile phone.
I'll ring council now. Just makes me mad.

Calendargirl
Thank you. My first thought was: that’s my world. Not only me but 2 other neighbours who, between us support several of our ‘older’ neighbours. It’s just what you do.
I think the envelope thing was an oversight on the councils part.

There is always a problem when one 'technology' is going out of use and has been superceded by another.

It is not so long since there was an enormous fuss when the government insisted on making pension and benefit payments into bank accounts because a small number of older people still lived in a cash-only economy.

Having said that, I do think in a case like this, where someone has phoned for paper form, it is reasonable to assume that they do not have, or cannot use a computer so the return address should be on the form.

I would immediately be on to my local council, or local newspaper/radio to point out the absurdity of not having a return address on the form.

helgawills

My neighbour is 94 and housebound. We get her shopping and post letters.
As she is keen to vote in coming elections, she phoned for a postal vote form. Yesterday she received a form to complete and sign. No return envelope, nor even a return address. Just a web address to find relevant postal address.
OK, I have a computer and can check for her, but she is always offering me money for doing things. I don't like that.
Is it unreasonable to expect people to manage their affairs in a way that suits them?

This must have been an ( unacceptable) mistake. A return envelope should have been included.

It is bound to be difficult for those cared for at home when the mental capacity and eyesight gets less someone else has to take responsibility. With more of us at home for longer it’s bound to be more of a problem if a relative or friend cannot help out.

MerylStreep

I’ve read the last sentence over and over and still don’t understand the problem.
Maybe it’s too early? ?

I think the OP means that without her help, the neighbour would have difficulty finding the return address, whereas if there were a return envelope or a note of the return address, she could manage it on her own.

I’ve read the last sentence over and over and still don’t understand the problem.
Maybe it’s too early? ?

Agree. And not just older people. Those who can’t afford computers or are maybe disabled in some way. It can cut them out of the ability to do many things.