A new service run by Age UK B&NES in partnership with local GPs is helping people over 85 to access more of the help they need to stay healthy and independent.
Hale and Hearty started in March 2015, commissioned by NHS Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as a one-year pilot.
It’s aimed at reaching over 85s who are not currently receiving any services, to make sure they get the help they need to continue living healthy, independent lives.
The range of services involved is wide – anything from helping the person to claim benefits such as attendance allowance (designed to help people with mobility issues afford independent living) to simply replacing a light bulb so that the person doesn’t risk a fall by climbing on a stepladder.
In another case, help came in the form of simply organising a subscription to the Theatre Royal’s ‘What’s On’ programme, allowing the person to keep in touch and become more engaged with the community.
So far, over 50 referrals have been made to Hale and Hearty by local doctors, and five volunteers have been trained.
Four GP practices in Bath are currently involved, but it is hoped to expand the service further in future.
The first step in accessing the service comes when the GP identifies the person who may be in need of help.
Then Age UK B&NES’ Project Coordinator, Lisa Seton, writes to the patient and, if they want to be involved, arranges a home visit by a volunteer who will work with them to make sure they get the support they need.
One of the people who has been helped is 86-year-old Mrs P.
Her husband died recently and she has spent time in hospital following a fall. She was lonely and wanted to get out more but was not confident doing so on her own.
After a referral from her GP, a Hale and Hearty home visit was arranged.
During the visit they encouraged her to attend her local Age UK B&NES day centre where she will be able to meet new friends, enjoy a home-cooked lunch and entertainment.
As part of a visit lasting an hour-and-a-half, the volunteer also registered her phone number so that she got fewer bothersome cold calls.
Mrs P said she was happy to see the Hale and Hearty team, and was “glad of the company” – she will receive a second visit in a month’s time.
Dr Ian Orpen, Clinical Chair at Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group said; “We aim to support older people to stay well and live independently for as long as possible.
“Hale and Hearty is one of a number of initiatives the CCG is piloting that considers not just an individual’s health needs but also their emotional wellbeing by offering social interaction and support to sort out any practical worries.
“The Age UK team of volunteers are doing a terrific job visiting the over 85s to see if they need any support to remain living independently at home.”
Age UK B&NES is a local charity that supports around 12,000 older people, their families and carers every year, with essential services.
“It is always looking for more support, funding as well as volunteers. Please get in touch if you can support Age UK B&NES in any way.
For more information about the charity’s work please call 01225 466135, email [email protected] or visit www.ageukbanes.co.uk.