There is a growing interest in the implications of an ageing population, including how older people can be helped to maintain their independence for as long as possible. There are also issues about the balance between "Preventative" services, geared towards promoting independence, and the targeting of resources on people who are already vulnerable.
Local perspective
41% of the population over 50
20% over 65
2.3% over 85.
Figures are set to increase significantly over the next 10 years and the 85+ age group will increase by 30% by 2011
The Strategy for Older People is a response by WAG to the significant demographic changes that will happen over the next 20yrs.
Local Authorities must ensure that future policies and programmes in Wales reflect the needs of an ageing society.
Funding
The Strategy for Older People team is working in partnership with other Organisations. We have been successful in obtaining a grant through the Big Lottery people and Places Fund to the tune of £495K to promote the "Age Well Programme" on Anglesey.
Project Aims
The project aims to develop the Local Authorities` Preventative Strategy by establishing three Age Well Centres which work on the principle of inclusion, by signposting and improving access to mainstream and universal services whenever appropriate. They will serve as focal points through which the full range of agencies with a stake in prevention and well-being can establish a presence in local communities and make their services more easily available to all those who might need them. They will provide a gateway to local services, as well as links to programmes that exist outside the confines of community e.g. the Expert Patient Programme.
We have identified three areas which would benefit from this development – Amlwch, Llangefni and Brynsiencyn.
Suitable venues have been found within each of these communities and refurbished to meet the specifications identified for each centre as listed below.
Each Centre will have the following general aims:
Serve its immediate local community operating a suitable local venue, with outreach facilities for those who are unable to, or do not wish to, attend physically.
Be a vibrant 'hub' providing a cafe style environment, and hosting a variety of activities, as well as being a source of information and referral to the full range of preventative services available locally.
Use peer group volunteers to support self-assessment and person-centred selection of strategies for maintaining independence, including lifestyle changes and healthy living.
Serve as a vehicle for community empowerment, with older people identifying ways in which their local communities might be enhanced, and facilitated in community leadership and action to bring about improvements.
Each Centre will promote the following Specific Services:
Physical Activity Sessions
Local Nutrition Strategy (meals on wheels, lunch clubs, healthy eating)
Good Neighbour Initiatives (taxi service) (day care)
Inclusion through IT and other lifelong learning opportunities.
Link to Community Warden Scheme (deliver errands, services for sheltered housing individuals)
Advice and advocacy (CSN, CAB)
Benefits Advice (Pension Service)
Establish network group of local volunteers to co-ordinate community projects (over 50's committee) arrange talks, trips, community nurse.
Voice and Choice Training + Project Development, Peer mentoring training.
Arrange multi agency information days
Produce quarterly newsletters promoting the activities within the Centres.
Develop a programme of primary and secondary prevention interventions in conjunction with Health partners.
Each Centre will consist of the following facilities:
Large kitchen (meals on wheels service), and a facility to cater for cooking classes etc.
Large room to cater for group activities e.g. physical activity sessions, adult learning classes
A range of smaller rooms to cater for small group work e.g. computer classes, private area for agency surgeries e.g. Benefits advice, Health screening etc
