THURROCK Council want to contact people in the borough aged 85 or over to offer help and assistance where needed.Its estimated that there are 2,600 people aged 85 or more in Thurrock, and in partnership with NHS South West Essex, the council has appointed John Stanley Care Ltd to run a nine-month pilot project to contact these people and offer help.
The council and PCT have each invested £70,000 into the project.
The aim is to offer older people, initially aged 85-plus, but later 75-plus, a home assessment to help them live safely and independently in their own homes and to improve the quality of life by easily and efficiently connecting them to appropriate support services.
It has nine outcomes planned, these are: that older people are less lonely and depressed; have both practical and emotional support following bereavement; maintain or improve people’s independence; maximise income; falls prevention; home safety checks; reduce the fear of crime; increase participation in social, leisure and learning activities; and to strengthen partnership working.
Councillor Amanda Arnold, Thurrock Council’s Cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: “We do not want to interfere in older people’s lives, but we do want to make sure that if help is needed, it is provided.
“Many older people do live independent lives, but, for example, they may not be claiming all the benefits they are entitled too.
“Others may be in need of social care or health assistance, but not know what is available or who to contact.
“This Contact and Connect service is being created in an effort to ensure that older people are able to lead full and fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own homes wherever possible.
“It also means involving older people in the community if they want to, ‘working’ for a voluntary agency perhaps.”
For details of the scheme which is due to start on 1 November, contact Denise Shaw of John Stanley Care Ltd at 01375 485445.
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