feature: Feeling good
27 June 2008
A new drive to help older adults lead active, independent and healthier lives has been launched by Haringey Council.
Adult Social Care in Haringey is now offering a more ‘joined up’ range of services to older adults and better value for money. Cllr Bob Harris, cabinet member for adult social care, says:
“We have moved away from the old idea that social services was only there to help people in need.
“One of the council’s key aims is to promote wellbeing for everyone - not just those who are most vulnerable or ill. We also want to help people choose what they want to do, giving them greater control over their life.
“Residents will benefit by living a more healthy and independent life while agencies like ourselves and the NHS will also benefit because there will be less call on facilities and resources.
“It might be an old adage, but prevention is better than cure.”
Among the services on offer are:
- Libraries for health - libraries for life: providing a wide range of activities including group sessions on diets and makeovers, exercise taster sessions and organised walks with a personal trainer and using computers in libraries to book NHS appointments
- Shape up: a six-week healthy eating programme
- Cook and eat: help for people with limited budgets or cooking facilities or who might be cooking just for one
- Leisure centres and swimming pools: a range of special activities and discounts for older adults
- Older adults drop-in centres: offering food and drink, a chance to meet friends, activities and also the chance to get help and advice on services.
The new approach is also designed to make sure that people don’t feel isolated and that they can still make a valuable contribution. Many older people still want to carry out voluntary work after they retire.
For example, the council’s museums and archive service has more than 20 older people who support the work of the service. If you want to find out more about the activities and services which are on offer visit www.haringey.gov.uk/olderpeoplesguide or drop in to one of our libraries or leisure centres.
Facts:
- A 10 per cent increase in adult physical activity nationally would save about £500 million a year
- Around 2,000 older people hold leisure centre concessionary gold cards
- Haringey Forum for Older People has over 700 active members who help us as we develop services
- Last year 425 people were helped into non-residential intermediate care to prevent them having to be admitted to hospital
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