The Caring Communities Safe and Well Service have been tackling loneliness and social isolation for people aged 65 years and over, who live in the South Eastern H&SC Trust area, by providing opportunities to socialise at community groups in their local area.
With expensive fuel costs and colder weather, it is a very difficult time for older people to heat their homes especially during the winter period. For many people, living in cold homes can lead to illness and for others a worsening of existing medical conditions. Joining in a local community group could help, in the local communities there are social groups that provide opportunities for older people to meet together in a warm place. The Caring Communities Safe and Well Service can support people 65 years and over who are feeling lonely, to have more opportunities and to socialise at local community groups in a warm and friendly environment.
Speaking of the current issues older people are facing, Health Development Specialist, Sandra Glover said, “As the population ages and more people are living alone, social isolation and loneliness are emerging as two of the major issues affecting individual health, wellbeing and independence. The Caring Communities Safe & Well Service aims to tackle loneliness and social isolation by providing information, signposting and referral to a range of services to enhance social contacts, independence and wellbeing.”
In order to be referred, a Caring Communities Officer will offer a holistic needs assessment over the telephone or within the home depending on the needs of the individual. The assessment will include social opportunities, getting out and about, health, healthy living, safe and secure homes and money matters. The Caring Communities Officer can refer to services such as Make the Call and Community Advice Centres for all money matters and a benefit entitlement review.
In addition to the above the Caring Communities Service have a limited number of Keep Warm Packs available to provide immediate, short term support to help those most at risk to stay warm at home during the cold weather.
To find out what social groups are available across the Trust area, this information is available at www.setrust.hscni.net/health-living/older-people/ and by clicking on the drop down ‘Resources’ and then ‘Directory of Services for Older People’.
For further information on how to be referred to the Caring Communities Safe & Well Service, please telephone (028) 9756 6935 or email safeandwell@setrust.hscni.net.