SUPPORTING OLDER PEOPLE
The Council supports older people in a variety of ways including helping them to have their say, providing support for them to stay in their home longer and improving availability of information and advice for example. This page provides information on some of the initiatives the Council supports in relation to older people.
Art Time
Five day care centres and residential homes are involved with this project, where a local artist facilitates ten workshops per centre using various mediums to improve communication and self expression. The participants involved have been targeted because of communication problems stemming from mental health issues, dementia, hearing or sight loss. The aim of the project is to encourage participants to become more engaged through the arts and to improve communication skills, self expression and confidence.
Emergency Alarms for the Elderly and Vulnerable
The Community Link service provides a telephone-based personal alarm system (on a rental basis) for anyone in their own home. The alarm provides added security, peace of mind and reduces feelings of isolation. The service works in partnership with the Police to support victims of bogus callers
Horsham Museum Reminiscence service
Horsham Museum runs a service which loans out themed boxes containing different artefacts to care homes, nursing and residential homes. The boxes are used to promote discussion and social interaction between residents.
Activities for the Over 50’s
The Council’s Leisure Link team enables and supports the development of sporting activities for older people across the District. These include 50+ multi-sport clubs, short mat bowls, yoga sessions, health walks, exercise on referral, green gym and chair-based exercise classes.
Information for Older People
Each the year, the Council works in partnership with a number of organisations to host Life is for Living. The aim of the events is to provide older people with information about the services and facilities available to them and also encourage them to get involved in new activities.
Life is for Living News
Life is for Living News is produced by the Council three times a year for residential homes and sheltered housing units. Please download a copy by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
Retirement Home Food Project
The project, which is delivered though sessions held in residential homes, helps older people develop a better understanding of what constitutes a balanced diet and how to interpret food labels. A nutritionist was appointed to put together a 14-day menu for healthy, balanced meals that can be prepared on a budget. The menu plans and recipes have been put together into a pack which is given to those participating in the sessions. Volunteer leaders from the Senior Persons’ Council deliver the sessions.
Senior Persons’ Council
The Senior Persons’ Council was established two years ago with the aim of giving older people an opportunity to put forward their ideas to the District Council and to undertake their own initiatives to benefit the local community. The Council provides a mechanism for consultation but also empowers its members to identify issues of concern and take action to address them. The Council meets quarterly and meetings are rotated around the District.
The Senior Persons’ Council produces a newsletter twice a year.
Shopmobility
Horsham Shopmobility provides a selection of manual and powered wheelchairs along with motorised scooters to anyone, young or old, who has problems walking around Horsham town centre, giving them greater independence and access to the shopping areas and leisure facilities.
In partnership with the Senior Persons’ Council, the Council published a Highway Code for Mobility Scooter Users (4.94mb) to promote the safety of people who use electric mobility scooters as well as that of pedestrians and other road users.
Working in Partnership
The Council works in partnership with a number of statutory and voluntary organisations to develop projects, such as the Handy Van Scheme, and activities, to meet the needs of older people.
For more information on any of the initiatives mentioned above and more about the Council’s role in supporting older people, please contact the Youth and Older Persons’ Officer on 01403 215385 or email community.development@horsham.gov.uk
Younger and Older Persons Strategy 2007 - 2010
Younger and Older Persons Strategy 2007 - 2010 (271kb)
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Life Is For Living Newsletter - Issue 48
Life Is For Living Newsletter - Issue 48 (459kb)
This file is a PDF document and may require the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view. You can download this utility by clicking on the left side link.